An excellant commentary of violence against women and sexual assault in this country. Ms Newman's questions for the candidates definitely deserve answers:

"Which set of candidates understands best how to remedy the culture of violence perpetuated against women in this nation and globally? Which set of candidates pro-actively creates policies that address the root causes of rape and sexual assault? Which set of candidates do we trust to raise the status of women in this country and work internationally to do the same? Which set of candidates' legislative and leadership records reveal genuine attempts at fixing the problems their various constituents face when it comes to rape, sexual assault and other forms of violence against women?"

Thank you Elisa for your contribution. I concur with you that there is not any much attempt to address the violence against women. In the African context, women suffer silently. " the deepressed suffer in silence". In my culture for example, when rape or sexual assualt happens especially when it is incest, women are told to "put a glass of water in their mouth and be quiet". This promotes it further as men know that it will not be reported publicaaly. Even in marriages, rape occurs but nothing is done about it as women are treated as surbodinates to men.

As well, some countries have these policies but such policies are not implemented. They do remain on paper.
In my view, the best option is to conscientise women to know thier rights and be strong enough to speak out. Women's voices should be voiced and heard, then action taken to descipline the culprits. Also is cases where women are the culprits, similar action should taken although it is vey clear to all of us that it is mostly the men involved in such dangerous act.