### Question
How does the law define underserved populations?


### Answer
Under *34 U.S.C. § 12291*, **underserved populations** is defined as:

> populations who face barriers in accessing and using victim services, and includes populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age), and any other population determined to be underserved by the Attorney General or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate

#### Citation:
  - *34 U.S.C. § 12291*
  - Heading: **Subtitle I-Comprehensive Acts > CHAPTER 121-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER III-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN**

