Foreword
“All women deserve the right to live free from fear,” President Obama said at the 2013 signing ceremony reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). “That’s what today is about.” In 1991, Anita Hill had accused then-Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. Then, 1992 was hailed as “The Year of the Woman,” with a record 24 female Representatives winning election to the House. Police and prosecutor response to violence against women was seen as lacking, and attitudes were starting to change. By 1994, legislators realized that women needed more protection from stalking, domestic violence, and sexual assault….
