Brief review of the 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: Gaps and way forward

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has profound impacts on individuals affected by domestic violence. Through its reauthorizations, this legislation has aimed to support immigrants. Despite improvement, there remain gaps. In this brief note, we focus on the stated goals of the VAWA and review impacts of reauthorizations on immigrants. To review the legislation, we utilize a historical and intersectional feminist analytical lens. Furthermore, we note gaps in the VAWA and make recommendations for a way forward. We highlight implications for social work practitioners so that they can adequately support immigrants experiencing victimization.