VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: "Congress Needs To Pass the Violence Against Women Act," Karen Stone, Planned Parenthood Action Fund's "Women Are Watching": "It's time for Congress to act and send a strong [Violence Against Women Act reauthorization] bill -- like the bipartisan version that the Senate passed in April -- to the president's desk before the end of the year," writes Stone, legislative affairs manager for PPAF. She points out that domestic violence reporting has increased by 51% since VAWA was enacted, and states have strengthened their rape and stalking laws, but "much work remains to ensure VAWA meets the needs of ALL victims." The House version of the bill lacks Senate provisions to protect immigrants, Native Americans, and gay, lesbian and transgender individuals, Stone notes, adding, "These arbitrary rollbacks [in the House version] further stigmatize particular populations, and they do nothing to help women get the counseling, shelter, and other services they need to escape abusive relationships" (Stone, "Women Are Watching," PPAF, 11/16).

What others are saying about violence against women:

~ "Winter is Coming: Sexual Violence in the Sandy Aftermath," Amy Choi, Feministing.