The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to allow Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence the ability to access critical programs and resources provided by Congress through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The reauthorization of VAWA, which was signed into law in March, 2022, provides funding to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex-trafficking, dating violence and stalking. The legislation amends the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to ensure Native Hawaiian organizations can now serve the Native Hawaiian community. The bill, which passed in the Senate unanimously earlier this month, passed in the House on a voice vote.

VAWA includes Services, Training, Officers Prosecutors (STOP) grants to provide funding for eligible Native-serving non-profits, including Native Hawaiian organizations, to help combat sexual violence and support survivors. However, because of how the law was written, while Native Hawaiian organizations are able to apply for STOP grant funding, they cannot use the funds to actually serve the Native Hawaiian community. As a result, Native Hawaiian women have been unable to access critical resources included in VAWA.

According to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, more than two-thirds of sex trafficking victims in Hawaiʻi are Native Hawaiian women and girls, and 37% of reported child sex trafficking cases in Hawaii are Native Hawaiian.

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