Washington, D.C. – Today’s reintroduction of the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) by Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) shows a great commitment to women and girls around the world, said Refugees International. This comprehensive piece of legislation will integrate violence prevention in U.S. foreign policy and support ground-breaking programs that aim to reduce violence against women caught in conflict.

“It is simply unacceptable that approximately 1 out of every 3 women worldwide has suffered at the hands of an oppressor,” said Renata Rendón, Congressional Advocate for Refugees International. “This legislation is aimed at improving the effectiveness of our government’s programs to prevent violence against women caught in conflict and creates economic and educational opportunities for women. It’s vital that other members of Congress join in this effort and help protect, defend and empower women around the world.”

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For Immediate Release: February 4, 2010
Contact: Vanessa Parra, +1-202-540-7025;
vanessa@refugeesinternational.org