End Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls
Every day, millions of refugee women and girls around the world risk being raped, beaten - even killed - as they search for the firewood they need to cook for their families. It's happening everywhere from Sudan to Sri Lanka, Ethiopia to Ecuador, and it must not continue.
To help protect women and girls at risk of rape and assault, Congress must pass the International Violence Against Women Act. This landmark bill, to be re-introduced in the new session of Congress, would make efforts to address sexual violence a key priority in U.S. foreign assistance programs. It contains a number of important provisions aimed at increasing services for survivors of sexual violence and improving prevention and protection programs. For millions of refugee women and girls risking personal harm while attempting to collect firewood, this bill is critical.
We want to make sure this issue is a top priority for Congress in 2009. Ask your senators and representatives to support the International Violence Against Women Act today!
Dear [Decision-Maker],
I am writing to request you to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act when it is re-introduced in the new Congress.
It is estimated that one in every three women worldwide will experience violence in her lifetime. The International Violence Against Women Act aims to strengthen U.S. leadership on this issue by integrating anti-violence efforts across U.S. foreign assistance programs, including education, health, economic growth, legal reform and humanitarian assistance.
As a supporter of the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, I am particularly concerned about women and girls in war-torn areas. Rape has been used to terrorize women and girls and tear apart communities in numerous recent conflicts, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Darfur, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The International Violence Against Women Act includes important provisions that would help increase services for survivors of sexual violence and improve protection for vulnerable women and girls in conflict zones.
Only comprehensive and sustained efforts by the U.S. and the international community can stop gender-based violence. Congress can take a critical step forward with the passage of the International Violence Against Women Act.
