The Evolution of a National Response to Violence Against Women

The Violence Against Women Act has a long and important history. VAWA has had a profound impact on the way the legal system defines,identifies, and responds to violence against women. In these remarks, based on Ms. Runge's extensive professional history working on VAWA and related legal issues, she examines the remaining shortcomings of VAWA and praises the progress achieved since the first VAWA was passed in 1994 to the most recent reauthorization in 2013.