This provision is designed to answer the common difficulty encountered by domestic violence survivors when they move to another state and are pursued by their abusers. Officials in the new state often refuse to recognize protective orders which have been granted in another state. This provision is seen as particularly necessary to prevent further injury and loss of life. The same provision is also intended to strengthen legal advocacy programs for victims. One obvious loophole in current law is recognized by a section in VAWA II which would prohibit the sale of firearms to people who are clearly intoxicated.
Studies show that substance abuse plays a large role in facilitating violent behavior.
Special emphasis is made on the need for education and training of judges and court personnel, re-authorizing provisions from the first act which have never been adequately funded or implemented. One section of the proposed bill establishes and funds safe exchange sites for child visitation to prevent direct contact by abusers with their former victims. The law currently covers only religion, race, national origin and ethnicity. For some battered women and victims of rape, sexual assault and incest, this addition will provide a valuable tool to fight sex-based hate crimes when local or state law enforcement authorities are unable or unwilling to respond adequately. A limitation in current federal law which requires that prosecution of hate crimes be committed in connection with a federally-protected activity like voting or going to school will be dropped.