International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) introduced to Congress

Yesterday, the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) was re-introduced to both houses of Congress. The bill was introduced last year, but never came to a vote. Sen. John Kerry, Rep. Bill Delahunt, Kerry Kennedy and Larry Cox of Amnesty International have a piece in Politico:

IVAWA will support innovative programs that challenge public attitudes and cultural practices that perpetuate and condone violence against women and girls. In settings where women are prevented or discouraged from seeking justice, IVAWA will support training for police and judicial officials on countering violence against women and respecting the rights of victims. It will allow long-term prevention efforts such as increasing women’s economic security, expanding access to jobs and education, and engaging men to change behaviors and attitudes. Societies in which women are able to live and function in relative safety, empowered to realize their aspirations and move their communities forward are healthier, better developed, and more stable. Societies that take measures to deter discrimination and violence against women are better equipped to root out terrorism, less prone to conflict, and therefore more secure.

It’s no news that the bill’s passage would be a huge step in the right direction in addressing systematic violence against women and girls across the globe. So take action and make sure that happens.

UPDATE: You can also sign the IVAWA petition at Women Thrive.