Washington, D.C . — On International Day of the Girl, Independent Women’s Voice asks Congress to do more to protect girls and women from violence.
Andi Bottner, senior advisor to Independent Women’s Voice and former acting director of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), released the following statement:
“In America, there is widespread bipartisan agreement that more can and should be done to prevent and to respond to violence against women and girls, to ensure those who do harm to women and girls are held accountable, and that those trying to escape violence receive the help they need and deserve.
“For too long, breathtakingly awful forms of violence against women and girls–like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, sex trafficking, and honor killings–have been ignored in America due to political correctness. It’s time to reduce these forms of violence, and we’re hopeful that the needs of survivors would be met, and that assistance, protection, and the right of self defense would be delivered to those who are facing crises. Congress must make resources available to train law enforcement and medical staff, lead stronger efforts to fight against violence against women and girls, and increase education and outreach to at-risk communities. On this day, let’s not put progressive interests above victims.”
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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.