Abstract
Objective: Half a century of sexual exploitation research has accumulated a remarkable knowledge base. However, glaring shortcomings exist: unsatisfactory justice outcomes, prevention programs not proven effective at controlling sexually exploitative behavior, and victims feeling underserved or harmed. Because these outcomes exist despite $7B expended through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) since 2018, we interrogate the extent to which VAWA, as currently implemented, fosters effective programs for sexual exploitation. We focus on VAWA because of its major impact on research and service priorities at the national, state, and local levels. Method: We contrast how VAWA funds are allocated, based on authorized mandates, with an examination of effectiveness within the sexual exploitation literature, using victim/survivors’ own words to describe their needs. We analyze how VAWA’s delivery model could be shifted within its historic framework to increase achievement of its intent. Results: VAWA emphasizes criminal justice-focused approaches that enable documented disappointing outcomes. Identified problems include misalignment of initiatives to goals, low funding of sexual exploitation, and failure to conduct program evaluation, each stifling innovative approaches. Conclusions: VAWA has not sufficiently changed in response to relevant policy analysis, empirical studies, or meta-analyses. We envision a better fit to purpose. The elevation of criminal justice over other interventions must be reduced. Community collaborations should be refocused on victim views of their justice and other recovery needs and on prevention. Policymakers should prioritize evidence-based and innovative solutions. Revising VAWA based on these principles at its 2027 reauthorization can increase likelihood of achieving stated goals.
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