International Violence Against Women Act

Dear Readers,

I know that keeping women and girls around the world free from fear and harm is as important to you as it is to me. That's why I'm inviting you to use your power as an American citizen to empower the millions of women around the world who suffer from violence and abuse.

I recently contacted my Representative and Senators asking them to support the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, H.R. 4594, S. 2982). I urge you to do the same by visiting www.WomenThrive.org/IVAWA where you can send an email to your Senators and Representative.

Just visit the following link: http://www.WomenThrive.org/IVAWA

This bill matters! Drafted in consultation with more than 150 groups around the world, the IVAWA (H.R. 4594, S. 2982) is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that incorporates proven solution for reducing violence into U.S. international assistance programs. It would impact millions of women, empowering them with tools to escape abuse.

Millions of concerned Americans like you and me are speaking up and taking action. Please add your voice by contacting your Congressperson!

The Des Moines Register featured an article on the International Violence Against Women Act and its importance in helping end violence against women and girls worldwide. (July 28, 2010)

Six months after Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake, female survivors living in camps for the displaced fall prey to rapists inside them. In India's northern states, "honor killings" have seen an uptick. People are killed under edicts issued by religious councils as punishment for marrying outside their caste or religion, or within a kinship group. In Congo, where mass rapes of women occur in front of their children, there is no word for rape. It's just called sex.

Visit www.WomenThrive.org/IVAWA