• Underfunding of Victim Services: Many shelters and service providers for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are underfunded and overstretched. Policies should ensure increased federal and state funding for shelters, crisis centers, mental health services, and legal aid programs.

• Extended Support Services: Funding often runs out quickly, leaving survivors without long-term housing, job training, or mental health support. Policies could establish or expand programs that offer survivors more long-term financial and psychological support.

• Improved Monitoring: Protection orders, such as restraining orders, are often violated. Strengthening the enforcement of these orders by improving law enforcement training, increasing penalties for violations, and using technology (such as GPS tracking for abusers) could offer better protection for survivors.

• Cross-State Recognition of Protection Orders: Although federal law mandates that restraining orders must be recognized across state lines, in practice, enforcement can be inconsistent. Enhancing the coordination between states could improve the effectiveness of protection orders for survivors who relocate.

Inconsistent Paid Leave Laws: In California, survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking can take unpaid leave, but this is not available in all states, and many survivors cannot afford to take time off without pay. Expanding federal laws to guarantee paid leave for survivors to attend medical, legal, and counseling appointments would significantly help those in need.

• Bias in Law Enforcement: Many survivors report feeling re-traumatized or dismissed by law enforcement when reporting domestic violence or sexual assault. Enhanced mandatory training for police officers on trauma-informed approaches, domestic violence, and sexual assault could improve the survivor’s experience in seeking help.

• Backlog of Rape Kits: There are often significant delays in processing rape kits due to backlogs in forensic labs. While some states have made progress in clearing the backlog, more federal funding and requirements for timely testing are needed to ensure survivors receive justice swiftly.

• Improved Prosecutorial Practices: Sexual assault cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute. Prosecutors may be reluctant to take on cases where they feel there isn't a high chance of conviction. Policies that incentivize prosecutors to pursue sexual assault cases and offer more training on handling sensitive cases could increase accountability for perpetrators.

• Expanded Housing Rights: While the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) includes some housing protections for survivors, more robust federal laws could ensure all survivors, regardless of the type of housing (private rental, public housing, or shelters), have legal protections against eviction or discrimination. Survivors often need emergency and long-term housing to escape abusive situations, but options can be limited, especially in rural areas.

• Housing First Policies: Some programs still require survivors to meet certain conditions (like sobriety or employment) to access shelter or housing. Expanding "housing first" policies—where survivors are provided stable housing without preconditions—could better meet their needs.

• Preventative Measures: Federal and state policies should mandate comprehensive sexual education in schools that includes discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and the prevention of sexual violence. Early intervention and education can help prevent abusive behaviors before they start.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Policies need to account for cultural, racial, and LGBTQ+ dynamics in domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Tailoring services to meet the diverse needs of survivors, especially in underserved communities, can improve access to justice and support.

Alternative Justice Pathways: Traditional legal systems can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Expanding policies that allow for restorative justice programs (where survivors can seek accountability from perpetrators outside of court, in a structured and supportive environment) could provide a healing alternative to the often adversarial criminal justice system.

Stronger Federal Workplace Protections: While some states, like California, offer survivors protection from job loss due to the need for time off related to abuse, this is not universal across the U.S. Expanding workplace protection laws federally would allow survivors to take necessary time for safety planning, medical care, or court appearances without fear of losing employment.

Expanding Legal Definitions: Domestic violence laws often focus on physical violence but overlook economic abuse, where abusers control a survivor’s financial resources, prevent them from working, or destroy their credit. Expanding legal definitions to include economic abuse and providing resources to help survivors regain financial independence are critical steps toward long-term recovery.

Enhanced Reporting Requirements: Improved data collection on domestic violence and sexual assault can help identify gaps in services and inform future policies. Expanding federal and state mandates for reporting cases and tracking outcomes could help develop more targeted and effective interventions.