The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) (Public Law 103-322) was passed on September 13, 1994. VAWA provided federal money toward the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women.

In 2013, VAWA was re-authorized, but it included some new requirements for higher education institutions. Those new requirements are known by “VAWA – Section 304” or “The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act” or by “Campus SaVE Act.” The substantial changes required reporting elements under the Clery Act, and it also placed obligations on higher education institutions to deal with issues of sexual misconduct.

Under VAWA, higher education institutions must:

1. Report criminal offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in the annual security reporting along with the other criminal offenses which the Clery Act already mandates.
2. Adopt student procedures that define the victim’s options and rights. These procedures should also define the person the victim can report incidences of sexual misconduct.
3. Adopt institutional policies to address and prevent campus sexual misconduct. Institutions must also educate and train their students and employees on the policies and procedures dealing with sexual misconduct, and develop ongoing prevention and awareness programs for students and employees.

For more information visit the whitehouse.gov.