Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice changed the rules for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants — the main federal funding source for survivor programs. The new rules said groups could lose funding if they used certain language or offered services that included gender identity or DEI training. Going further, grantees could not “frame domestic violence or sexual assault as systemic social justice issues rather than criminal offenses” in the future.
In June, 17 state-based survivor coalitions sued, saying the limits violated free speech and equal-protection laws. A separate lawsuit filed in August argued against similar restrictions tied to HHS and HUD grants. Preliminary injunctions were granted in both cases in early October, effectively blocking the rollout of these restrictions while the two legal cases continue.
Why it Matters
These grants keep shelters open, pay advocates, and fund crisis hotlines for people facing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or dating violence. Survivors include women in intimate or former relationships, teens in abusive dating situations, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals in tribal or rural communities. When the government adds confusing or restrictive rules, survivors risk losing access to help. The existing court orders mean services can continue for now, but the uncertainty forces small nonprofits to spend time on lawyers and compliance instead of on safety, housing, or counseling.
Background
In 2022, a bipartisan reauthorization of the VAWA modernized the law to address evolving forms of abuse and expand critical support programs. The DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) manages these programs and distributes grant funding.
In June of 2025, the DOJ's OVW issued new restrictions for grant funding that sparked a federal lawsuit from 17 victim support organizations. These new criteria are seen by critics as limiting the types of support that can be offered to survivors. Grantees of VAWA funds must now submit letters periodically certifying that they comply with anti-DEI measures. Congress has approved VAWA funding for the past 31 years, largely in a bipartisan manner.
The challenged criteria require grantees to certify that they are meeting certain conditions:
- Not supporting undocumented immigrants in violation of federal law, nor prioritizing them for services.
- Not engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities, such as promoting gender ideology.
- Recognizing only two sexes.
- Not framing domestic violence as a systemic social justice issue but rather as a criminal offense.
- Prioritizing collaboration with law enforcement.
- Not using funds for generic community engagement, economic development, or research projects.
Resources
National Network to End Domestic Violence - Violence Against Women Act
Alabama Reflector - Domestic violence nonprofits are winning against the Trump administration in court
National Women's Law Center - Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration From Restricting Grants That Help Homeless, Survivors of Violence
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