Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) passed the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, S. 2982)

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) passed the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, S. 2982) yesterday, December 14th.

Senator Kerry, Chair of the SFRC and one of the lead sponsors of the IVAWA, made the following statement yesterday,  “Today, in passing the International Violence Against Women Act, the Committee spoke with a strong and decisive voice.  This historic vote sends a powerful message to the world that the United States stands against violence against women and girls, anywhere and everywhere it occurs. This bill tells women and girls that that they are valued, respected members of society who do not have to suffer in silence.  IVAWA will use U.S. assistance wisely, bring greater transparency, and improve coordination inside the government and with key stakeholders in civil society. But more importantly, we are saying that now is the time for us to gather the resources and political will to turn IVAWA’s promise into a reality for the millions of women and girls whose lives will be improved as a result of this critical legislation.”

The next step is to get the full Senate and House to bring this legislation to a very quick vote, so IVAWA  can pass this year. Click here for more details.