The purpose of this study was to conduct a thorough examination of the objectives and substantive effects of the domestic violence provisions in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994. VAWA was the first federal legislation to address domestic violence in the United States. Although VAWA created several unintended consequences, this policy analysis suggest that its benefits outweigh its negative effects since victims of domestic violence have been able to receive services that would otherwise be unavailable.

Regardless of the setting in which social workers work or what population they serve, they may ultimately work with someone who has been affected by domestic violence. Therefore, it is crucial for social workers to have a fundamental knowledge of the VAWA and its provisions as it affects what programs are implemented, the type of jobs that are available for social workers, and what services are available for clients.