Several of the lawmakers have been at the forefront on the issue of sexual assault in the uniformed services and have introduced legislation in Congress that suddenly is moving quickly.

NPR: Lawmakers, White House Discuss Sexual Assault

In enacting VAWA in 1994, Congress acknowledged that the criminal justice system chronically failed to respond to the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, too often blaming victims and refusing to hold offenders accountable as violent criminals.

WHITEHOUSE: Engage and Connect

In 2003 Congress unanimously passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which required the collection of data on sexual abuse in prison, and the creation of a commission to recommend national ways to prevent it.

ECONOMIST: Combating rape in prisons