Urge Congress to Co-Sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act

Contact your Members of Congress to end violence against women around the world with the "International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)."

Background

No woman or girl deserves to be beaten or raped in the United States or anywhere in the world. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) is the first comprehensive piece of legislation in the United States aimed at ending violence against women and girls around the world. The I-VAWA would improve our government's response when women and girls are victims of sex trafficking and rape during war and would provide aid to women's groups on the ground working to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence. It would focus resources on prevention and ensure that our dollars are used in the most effective ways possible to help the people who need it most. In some countries, it truly could mean the difference between life and death for a woman or girl.

It was introduced in both houses of Congress on February 4. Violence against women is a human rights violation and a worldwide pandemic - approximately one out of every three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. In some countries it's up to 70 percent. Look at what the passage of I-VAWA would mean to women around the world:

• Increased efforts to prevent violence against women during conflict and in humanitarian crises, like what's going on in Haiti right now;
• Legal reform and commitment to finding perpetrators and bringing them to justice;
• Help for victims and survivors to escape from abuse or heal after violence;
• Fewer women and children dying from HIV/AIDS and death during childbirth
• Expanded economic and educational opportunities that would help women who are abused flee their abuser or reduce their risk for sexual exploitation; and
• New programs to work with men and boys to be leaders and allies in ending violence against women and girls.

Status

In the 110th Congress, the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) was introduced in both the House (H.R. 5927) and Senate (S. 2279) but was not passed. JWI will continue to work with our coalition partners to pass this legislation in 111th Congress. This critical legislation will commit the United States to address rape, domestic violence, honor killings, female genital cutting, human trafficking, and economic conditions that can oppress women – on a global scale. JWI has joined a broad-based coalition including the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), Women’s Edge Coalition and Amnesty International USA in endorsing this important legislation and has also written supporting letters to Congress. To date, this legislation has not been reintroduced in the 111th Congress.

To create a global environment that dignifies women instead of battering them into silence, we must end violence within our own borders as well. In Washington advocates have begun drafting language for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Now in the process of its fourth facelift, we must reshape VAWA to address the evolving population of victims of violence - the staggering prevalence of dating violence and, with an aging population, the increase of elder abuse as well.

Action Needed

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. You can also email your Representative or your Senator.

Message

"Please co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act and take action to end the abuse of women and girls.

Approximately one out of every three women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.  Rates of domestic violence are reportedly as high as 70 percent in some countries.  This violence includes rape, female genital cutting, domestic violence, acid burning, dowry related killings and more.  It is a global health crisis, human rights violation, and moral outrage that contributes to instability and insecurity throughout our world.

The International Violence Against Women Act is an opportunity for the US to address this problem and stop the violence around the world. Please make a difference in the lives of millions of women and girls and co-sponsor this important bill."

Make Your Voice Heard

Jewish Women International’s advocacy efforts rally supporters to channel their voices into one powerful, collective force – and use it to create changes at the local, state and federal levels. Their advocacy work includes issues relevant to violence against women, and they offer many ways to take action.