International Violence Against Women Act Introduced in U.S. Congress

Washington, February 4, 2010 – The International Violence Against women Act (I-VAWA) was introduced here today in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Violence against women is a human rights violation and a worldwide pandemic - approximately 1 out of every 3 women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.

The I-VAWA supports innovative approaches to ending violence against women globally by promoting services for survivors, holding perpetrators accountable and challenging public attitudes that condone such violence. The bill is a five-year, $1 billion plan that authorizes projects in 10 to 20 countries which have severe levels of violence against women and girls.

I-VAWA would make violence against women worldwide a priority of the United States government and an enhanced component of its foreign policy and foreign assistance programmes.

The bill was introduced by Senator Kerry (D-MA) and Senator Boxer (D-CA) and by Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA), Ted Poe (R-TX), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

In introducing the bill, Senator Kerry said "This bill will protect women everywhere, and it turns out that championing these values is also an extremely effective and cost-efficient way to advance America's foreign assistance goals and strengthen our national security."

Reports note that this is the first time a bill introduced to the U.S. Congress has comprehensively incorporated legal, economic and health protection for women into all U.S. foreign assistance programs.

For more information, visit: Amnesty International USA, Women Thrive Worldwide and Family Violence Prevention Fund.

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