Washington, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) released the following statement after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA).

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the

International Violence Against Women Act
(IVAWA), a bill specifically designed to stop the brutal violence against girls and women that afflicts communities and countries across the globe. Violence against women and girls, whether in the form of domestic violence, rape, acid burnings, or so-called honor killings, is a major human rights violation and a major impediment to economic growth and development around the world.
  Nations who have the worst track record in preventing violence against women are also the most unstable and ending violence against women is also a major issue in peace and security.
  Free from violence, women and girls would be safe to access the poverty reduction, education and health programs that contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities. This bill clearly proclaims U.S. support for such programs and is an important step forward for the safety of women everywhere.

“This bill allows us to prioritize how we use existing foreign aid funds to prevent violence against women and girls.  The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that one of the most effective forces for defeating extremism is female safety and education. Violence against women undermines the effectiveness of existing U.S. investments in global development and stability, whether fighting HIV/AIDS, increasing basic education, or creating stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The legislation invests in the most efficient, effective women’s organizations that are helping to stop violence on the ground in the communities where it is worst.”