We should applaud the courageous efforts of the many
activists who are responsible for a new popular consciousness of
violence against women, for a range of legal remedies, and for a network
of shelters, crisis centers, and other sites where survivors are able
to find support. But on the other hand, uncritical reliance on the
government has resulted in serious problems. I suggest that we focus our
thinking on this contradiction: Can a state that is thoroughly infused
with racism, male dominance, class-bias, and homophobia and that
constructs itself in and through violence act to minimize violence in
the lives of women? Should we rely on the state as the answer to the
problem of violence against women?
