I-VAWA Background and Resources

One out of every three women worldwide will be physically or sexually abused during her lifetime with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. This type of violence ranges from rape to domestic violence and acid burnings to dowry deaths and so-called honor killings. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, a public health epidemic and a barrier to solving global challenges like desperate poverty, HIV/AIDS and conflict. Violence and abuse devastates the lives of millions of women, knows no national or cultural barriers, and most importantly, it must be stopped.

Amnesty International USA have joined with Women Thrive Worldwide and Family Violence Prevention Fund in strong support of the International Violence Against Women Act. This piece of legislation is a major step in the effort to end violence against women and girls across the globe. More

The International Violence Against Women Act was introduced in the 110^th Congress, but never came to a vote before Congress adjourned. Amnesty continues to work on advancing the I-VAWA in the 111^th Congress and will update this website periodically. For the most recent information on IVAWA, contact the government relations department at Amnesty International USA.

Background
» Summary of I-VAWA (PDF)
» Summary Flyer (PDF)
» Issue Brief (PDF)
» I-VAWA Model Programs
» Case Studies: Women at risk

Q&A:
» Q&A: Basic I-VAWA
» Q&A: Legislation

Legislation
» HRW and AIUSA joint submission: "Recognizing Women’s Vital Roles in Achieving Peace and Security" (PDF)
» Section-by-section Summary of I-VAWA 110^th Congress(PDF)
» Senate Floor Statement 110^th Congress (PDF)
» Complete I-VAWA Bill 110^th Congress (PDF)
» Petition senator (.doc)
» How a bill becomes law flowchart (PowerPoint)
» Comparison: How I-VAWA compares to other legislation aimed at protecting women (GROWTH Act) (PDF)
» Amnesty International USA testimony to the Senate Committees (PDF)

Media
» Editorial from Senators Biden and Lugar in support of I-VAWA
» AIUSA joint press release on the introduction of I-VAWA legislation
» Sample letter to the editor
» Sample opinion editorial
» Sample blog post

Advocacy
» Movie Recommendations

Supporters:
» Senate Co-sponsors 110^th Congress
» House Co-sponsors 110^th Congress
» NGO Supporters (PDF)
» More I-VAWA Supporters

Results:
Amnesty International Hails Creation of New U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues (PDF)