Lynnea Laskowski

We stand on the edge of an historic victory. Votes, politics, criticism, and praise aside, the bare facts are that our nation has elected its first woman to the Oval Office.

Kamala Harris is the first female Vice-President-elect, the first Black Vice-President-elect, the first South East Asian Vice-President-elect. Her election is a moment for pride for barriers broken and glass ceilings shattered. It is also a time for deep introspection and shame that it has taken this long.

Over Christmas, I traveled to Botswana to visit family. Botswana, located in southern Africa, is a beautiful and diverse country with landscapes ranging from the Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta. Outside the bustling cities, you can find natural game preserves, perfect for a safari. If you’re lucky, you can see giraffe, elephants, wildebeest, wild dogs, hippos, leopards, and lions, all from a safe distance of course.

Since 1994 when it was first passed, the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, has been a non-controversial and very impactful piece of legislation. VAWA funds domestic violence shelters, sexual assault crisis centers, advocates, and prevention services. VAWA has also created legislation that improves investigation and prosecution of violence. Over the years, VAWA has been expanded and updated to ensure that ALL Americans are protected, including men and boys, the LGBTQIA+ community, undocumented survivors, and more.

In the wake of the revelations that Jussie Smollett may have fabricated the reports of a homophobic and racist attack, how should we respond to future reports of violence? It’s simple, really. Start by believing.