This is the closest the U.S. has ever come to combating violence against women and girls on a global level. However, due to some serious misinformation creeping into the discussion, opposition groups may deter one of the best chances we have at finally confronting human trafficking, rape during conflict, domestic violence and other horrific forms of abuse.

After 4 years of Amnesty activists battling to ensure its passage, the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) is finally progressing though Congress and is on its way to the House and Senate floor for a vote.

This is a very critical time when members of Congress really need to hear from their constituents that women’s rights are worth fighting for. But it’s also a prime time for opposition groups to take aim at this important piece of legislation.

Let your member of Congress hear you – women’s rights are worth fighting for!

Imagine if the U.S. was doing more to help prevent and respond to violence in locations such as these:

Haiti, where 6 months after the earthquake devastated the region, women and girls in camps are still particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.

Democratic Republic of Congo, where widespread conflict has led to what could be described as a “war against women” in which women and girls are being raped by the thousands.

Afghanistan, where acid is hurled in the faces of girls on their way to school.
This violence is not isolated to a few women in a few different places – it is a worldwide epidemic. It’s going to take a coordinated and high-level effort to stop it from spreading.

We’re so close, but we need your help.

Please speak out now for women and girls around the world who are silenced by ongoing violence and abuse.

Thank you,
Daphne Jayasinghe
Advocacy Director, Women’s Human Rights
Amnesty International US