CARE Celebrates Introduction of International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA)

Violence against women and girls is at epidemic proportions in many of the world's poorest countries. Worldwide at least one in three women is beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime, with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. If passed, IVAWA, which draws on best practices of organizations in the field, will call for a comprehensive strategy to reduce this kind of violence and help survivors cope.

''Violence against women and girls is one of many causes of poverty. It is a human rights violation and a barrier to solving global challenges like HIV and AIDS, poverty and conflict,'' said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE, an international poverty-fighting organization that helps empower marginalized women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities. ''The introduction of IVAWA sends a strong message that the United States will not stand by while women and girls are repeatedly abused and subjected to violence. The passage of this legislation would be a historic proactive step forward in improving lives around the world, and I urge the American public and members of Congress to support it.''

IVAWA calls for a multi-sectoral strategy that will increase resources to provide legal, health and social support for survivors. It also includes programs that engage communities, including men and boys, to challenge social norms that fuel violence against women and girls.

Violence against women and girls is a prevalent fixture in many developing countries. It can take many forms, ranging from abuse in the home, schools and the community to the use of rape and sexual violence as a tool of war and conflict. A recent report by the government of Kenya reveals more than 12,500 reported cases of girls being sexually abused by teachers over a five-year period – and such numbers may actually obscure the magnitude of the problem due to under-reporting.

CARE has increased its programmatic work to combat violence against women and girls. In the Balkan region, for example, CARE works with local advocacy and youth groups to influence norms, attitudes and behaviors among young men and boys. In Burundi, CARE has used Village Savings and Loan Associations to increase women's access to economic resources and provide a forum for dialogue and sensitization around issues of violence, gender and discrimination.

CARE urges members of the House and Senate to support the IVAWA by signing on as co-sponsors and for Congress to swiftly pass the legislation on which the well-being of millions of women around the world depend.

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. In 72 countries, women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.care.org.