The Violence Against Women Act at 15
I know this woman who moved to Washington, DC as a single mom of three boys. Somehow, I forget, she found herself working for the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund. She quickly found herself lobbying the powerful, negotiating with opponents and even crafting legislation that would touch women across the country. One such piece of legislation is the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
Fifteen years later it is still a controversial piece of legislation. Despite any controversy, it has helped to raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and teen dating violence.
To mark the occasion, Legal Momentum (NOW LDEF's new name) is holding a symposium on April 22nd in Washington, DC.
At this symposium Legal Momentum and The Georgetown Journal of Gender and the Law will bring together a remarkable group of individuals who have been, or continue to be, involved in drafting, passing, litigating and reauthorizing VAWA, to relate the law's history and impact from their perspectives as key players in this historic legislation.
Vice-President Biden, who was a key champion for VAWA, will be honored as well.
Visit the Awearness Volunteer Now page to find opportunities to help fight domestic violence in your area and nationwide.
[Image: Ms. Magazine]
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Violence against women are increasing at an alarming rate and will certainly get worse as the economy sags and unemployment rises. It is wonderful that there are non-profit organizations such as NOW that are dedicated to fight domestic violence,and V-Day, but even with increased awareness, women are being assaulted, murdered and stalked at epidemic proportions. 2009 welcomed in the first Black president in the history of the U.S. in a mere 40 years after Martin Luther King's assassination. But it has been over 40 years that "Women's Lib" has first termed and women are still being treated like second class citizens globally as well as nationally. Until the day comes when women will demand respect and refuse to adhere to the "victim" mentality, it's time for the female race to fight back and take control.
Women collectively spend millions of dollars a year on makeup, clothes, shoes, manicures, pedicures, anti-aging creams and jewelry but will not spend $12.95 on a Pepper Spray that could save their lives. In the 21st Century many women still have the unrealistic notion that nothing bad will really happen to them. Women need to wake up and become more aware of their surroundings and start carrying non-lethal protection devices. They are legal in most states and do not require a license. An excellent resource to find out more about self protection devices is www.stingergirlz.com which offers a comprehensive and cost-effective variety of tasers, stun guns, maces, and pepper spray. www.stingergirlz.com also carries home protection products and self defense literature and videos. Hotline numbers for every state are listed for victims who need to reach out and get help. Please call 877-876-2994 for more information or e-mail us at info@stingergirlz.com. Stay safe!