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Help Pass the International Violence Against Women Act

Use the below letter, or edit it into your own words, and urge your Congressional representative to support a comprehensive vision to address the problem of violence against women.

One out of every three women globally will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) will establish an overall and integrated approach by the US government to combat violence against women and girls internationally.

Please act now.

November 21, 2009

Subject:

Dear Legislator,

I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act when it is introduced in the 111th Congress.   The International Violence Against Women Act, would significantly expand efforts worldwide to end violence against women and girls.

We know that at least one out of every three women globally will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. Millions of women and girls experience violence every day including rape, domestic violence, acid burning, dowry deaths, honor killings, human trafficking, female genital cutting and other harmful practices.

As my Representative, I am asking that you support the International Violence Against Women Act, making violence against women a US diplomatic priority for the United States. This legislation is very important because it will:

- Create the first US State Department coordinator working explicitly on Violence Against Women;

- Develop strategies in 10-20 countries for US programs to address violence against women and girls;

- Fund international programs that prevent violence, support health programs and survivor services, encourage legal accountability, promote access to economic opportunities and education, and better address violence against women in humanitarian crisis situations;

- Develop emergency measures to respond to a mass outbreak of violence against women and girls in armed conflict, like mass rape;

For the first time, through the International Violence Against Women Act, the United States has an opportunity to raise this issue in its diplomatic work and have an impact on the suffering of millions of women around the world.

As my Representative, you have the power to make a real difference in the lives of millions of women and girls by co-sponsoring the International Violence Against Women Act when it is reintroduced. I urge you to do just that.

Thank you.

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