Application of the Violence Against Women Act When the Offender and Victim Are the Same Sex

Application of the Violence Against Women Act When the Offender and Victim Are the Same Sex The criminal provisions of the Violence Against Women Act apply to otherwise-covered conduct when the offender and victim are the same sex. April 27, 2010 MEMORANDUM OPINION FOR THE ACTING DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL You have asked us whether the criminal provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) apply to otherwise-covered conduct when the offender and victim are of the same sex. VAWA includes three criminal provisions:

18 U.S.C. § 2261

(2006), addressing interstate do- mestic violence; 18 U.S.C.…