The Law as a Lifeline: Reflections on the Anniversary of VAWA
On 13 September 1994, the United States introduced the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It was more than legislation—it was a statement that violence against women could no longer be dismissed as a private matter, hidden behind closed doors. For the first time, a legal framework recognised that survivors deserve not only protection, but also justice and resources to rebuild their lives.
Although VAWA was born in the US, its significance resonates far beyond American borders. It marked a turning point in how the world thinks about domestic abuse, sexual violence, and women’s safety. It proved that governments can choose to stand on the side of survivors, shaping systems that respond to their needs rather than silencing them.
Legal Protection as a Promise
A law is not simply words on paper—it is a promise. When the state declares that violence against women will not be tolerated, it sets the tone for how society responds. In the UK, similar commitments have been made through domestic abuse legislation and protections around forced marriage. Yet for many women, especially those from Black and minoritised backgrounds, the gap between the law and lived reality remains painfully wide.
The existence of protection is not always the same as access to it. Fear of being disbelieved, concerns about immigration status, or cultural stigma can leave women feeling trapped, even when the law is on their side.
Why Resources Matter
Legal recognition without resources can feel like an empty gesture. Survivors may know that they have rights, but rights are only meaningful when they can be exercised safely. This is where organisations like Anah Project bridge the gap.
We provide more than a refuge; we offer the guidance, advocacy, and emotional support needed to make those legal protections real. A woman fleeing violence might not know her options, might not trust the institutions around her, or might fear the repercussions of speaking out. By walking alongside her—helping her navigate the system, rebuild her confidence, and find her voice—we turn the law from an abstract principle into a lifeline.
Seeing the Whole Picture
The anniversary of VAWA also draws attention to the importance of intersectionality. Not all women experience violence in the same way, and not all survivors have the same access to justice. Black and minoritised women often face added barriers—racism, cultural expectations, or pressure from within their own communities—that make seeking help even harder.
For protections to work, they must recognise these overlapping struggles. Without culturally sensitive support, many women will remain outside the reach of laws designed to safeguard them.
Beyond an Anniversary
Looking back at VAWA’s introduction reminds us of the progress that is possible when laws and resources work together. But anniversaries are not just about history—they are about recommitment. They ask us to consider what still needs to change.
At Anah Project, that recommitment is daily. We honour the spirit of VAWA by ensuring that every woman who comes to us is believed, supported, and resourced. We continue to advocate for survivors whose voices are too often ignored. And we remind women that safety, dignity, and justice are not privileges—they are rights.
