Federal Law Reference for Women's Rights
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Federal law establishes criminal and civil frameworks to address domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) administers the primary federal grant programs.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
34 U.S.C. § 12291 et seq. (reauthorized most recently in 2022)
Provides federal resources to improve criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Funds shelters, legal assistance, law enforcement training, and prevention programs. Includes housing protections, immigration protections for survivors, and campus program requirements.
Title IX and Campus Sexual Violence (Clery Act / SaVE Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1092(f) (Clery Act); Pub. L. 113-4 § 304 (SaVE Act)
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires federally funded colleges and universities to disclose information about crimes on and near campus. The Campus SaVE Act (2013) added requirements for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including mandatory prevention education and survivor rights.
Mandatory Restitution for Sex Crimes
18 U.S.C. § 2248; 18 U.S.C. § 2259
Federal law requires courts to order restitution to victims of federal sex crimes, including sexual exploitation of children and sex trafficking. Restitution covers medical services, therapy, transportation, lost income, and attorney fees.
Retaliation and Confidentiality Protections
34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(2) (VAWA); 34 C.F.R. § 106.71 (Title IX)
VAWA-funded programs must implement confidentiality policies to protect survivor information. Title IX prohibits retaliation against individuals who report sexual violence or participate in related proceedings. Survivors have the right to have complaints investigated without retaliation.