Domestic Violence Laws
 The last ten years or so have seen the introduction and amendments of two very important pieces of national legislation that seek to punish acts of domestic violence. Congress, in 1994, passed the Violence Against Women Act or VAWA. Augmentations to the VAWA in 1996 made domestic abuse a national crime. Also in 1996 the Gun Control Act was changed to make the possession of weapons by a domestic abuser illegal and a federal crime under certain conditions.
Under VAWA, violations of the 18 U.S. Code Sections 2261, 2261A and 2262 carry a prison term of five years to life, depending on the condition of the victim's injuries and the victim will be awarded restitution by the court for the full loss amount, including amounts paid by the victim for medical, therapy and psychological care, housing, attorney fees, child care etc.
The violation of the Sections 922(g)(8) and 922 (g)(9) of the Gun Control Act can bring a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and the victim may receive restitution.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in California, law enforcement authorities responded to a total of 181,362 domestic violence calls and made 45,083 domestic violence arrests in 2005.
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