The World Health Organization estimates that almost one-third of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, with rates particularly high in developing countries. This is a heartbreaking travesty, especially as many of the victims are children.
I was therefore glad to hear that Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky reintroduced the International Violence Against Women Act with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). This is bipartisan and bicameral legislation to ensure combating gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. It leverages existing U.S. resources to combat and respond to gender-based violence, a critical step toward promoting the human rights and dignity of all individuals as well as regional and global stability.
This issue is urgent, and it needs more American leadership. For many years, the bipartisan International Violence Against Women Act has languished in Congress. Please push for it to be moved forward and passed this session. This issue should be of vital importance to all of us. Thanks.
▶ First sent on January 19 by Jess Craven
