This act was intiated in 1860 and the first law was enacted in 1864. This act allowed in certain areas if a woman was expected to be a prostitute, they would have to undergo a medical examination. If one was tested for the disease then they were placed in a hospital until they were cured. Prostitution was an anxiety of this time period and how it spreads diseases. This event helps highlight the reason for Rossetti to begin her social work at the St Mary Magdalene house. This possibility of disease was becoming a fear in society. So, Rossetti utilizes this event to create awarness on this fear, as well as, warn women against the pre-marital sexual actions. The picture I have provided is labeled as The Study of a Fallen Woman. This picture can be seen as  portraying a woman that is broken down by society because of her sexual acts. 

MLA Works Cited

Hughes, Kathryn. “Gender Roles in the 19th Century.” British Library, 15 May 2014, https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/gender-roles-in-the-....