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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

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Find Justice and Safety with a Violence Against Women Act Lawyer in South Florida

Domestic abuse and sexual assault crimes violate the personal liberties of far too many women. The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) aims to prevent such human rights violations and support survivors in seeking justice. At Chestnut Law Group, our qualified attorneys assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in South Florida. We stand ready to aggressively enforce your rights under VAWA.

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Enacted in 1994, VAWA provides programs and services to safeguard women. It bolsters law enforcement and prosecution of violent crimes disproportionately targeting female victims. VAWA also expands legal options for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

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Our VAWA lawyers have years of experience with all aspects of the law, including:

  • Domestic Violence - Physical, emotional or psychological abuse by an intimate partner or spouse. Includes coercion, isolation, stalking, threats and reproductive coercion.

  • Dating Violence - Similar domestic abuse tactics used by a romantic partner. VAWA covers current and former dating partners.

  • Sexual Assault - Rape, attacks, molestation and any nonconsensual sexual activity. Occurs outside and within relationships.

  • Stalking - Repeated threatening or harassing conduct causing fear of physical harm. Includes cyberstalking through email, texts and social media.

 

VAWA Legal Protections for Survivors

VAWA provides key federal rights and remedies for abuse and assault victims. Our lawyers can assist with:

  • Restraining Orders - Securing emergency and permanent injunctions against abusers.

  • Child Custody - Preventing use of violence as leverage in custody disputes.

  • Housing Rights - Halting eviction due to abuse status.

  • Workplace Rights - Taking medical/legal leave and receiving unemployment benefits.

  • U Visa - Immigration help for cooperating victims of abuse.

  • Federal Charges - Prosecuting sex trafficking, interstate violations and crimes targeting gender or sexual orientation.

 

VAWA makes a brighter future possible for survivors. Contact our experienced attorneys today to discuss how we can help you move forward safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who does the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protect?

VAWA protects all victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking - regardless of gender. While the law recognizes that women disproportionately bear the burden of these crimes, the protections apply to male, female, and non-binary victims alike.

 

What legal remedies does VAWA provide for survivors?

VAWA allows survivors to seek protective orders, temporary visas, child custody protections, provisions for public housing, workplace leave time, unemployment benefits, and other resources. It also strengthened laws and penalties for certain federal domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. VAWA gives survivors legal recourse in multiple areas of life disrupted by abuse.

 

How does VAWA help domestic violence survivors?

For domestic abuse survivors, VAWA grants access to emergency protective orders, temporary housing support, unemployment insurance, and workplace leave time to obtain medical care or attend court proceedings. The law makes clear that domestic violence cannot jeopardize child custody. VAWA also makes it a federal crime to cross state lines to injure, harass, or intimidate a domestic partner.

 

What workplace protections does VAWA provide?

Under VAWA, survivors have the right to take unpaid leave from work to seek legal help, medical care, counseling, or safety planning. They cannot be fired from their job solely for reasons related to experiencing abuse. VAWA also allows survivors to collect unemployment insurance after leaving a job due to domestic violence or sexual assault.

 

How does VAWA help immigrant victims of abuse?

For immigrant abuse survivors, VAWA offers potential pathways to lawful resident status through U and T visas. These provide legal status to cooperating victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. VAWA also has confidentiality protections to prevent abusers from using victims' immigration status against them.

You have rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and our experienced attorneys are here to stand up for you.

If you or someone you love is suffering from domestic violence or sexual assault, please know that help is available.

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At Chestnut Law Group, we have a long record of helping survivors in South Florida build safer, more stable lives through compassionate legal representation. We assist with protective orders, child custody, immigration relief, finding secure housing, maintaining employment, and accessing other support services.

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