I received an email today from the Tahirih Justice Center, an outstanding non-profit organization dedicated to protecting immigrant women and girls fleeing violence, about critical upcoming legislation that every mom will care about. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA), groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will dedicate US resources and leadership to fight violence against women worldwide, is likely be taken up by the Senate in the next few weeks. (For detailed information about I-VAWA, click here.)
- Photograph by Sergio Pessolano for Tahirih Justice Center
With the August recess, upcoming elections, and a packed legislative agenda, it’s crucial that we press Congress to vote on I-VAWA before year-end, so that protection of vulnerable women and girls not fall by the wayside.
Support from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—including Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Senator Bob Corker (R-TN)—is key for I-VAWA to move forward. By reaching out to these Senators, particularly if you are a constituent, you can make a game-changing difference.
In less than 3 minutes, you can a) call-in; b) send a Facebook appeal; c) build the movement by telling your friends; d) transform the lives of women and girls facing horrific violence worldwide. Please see below for instructions and sample scripts.
Phone Numbers for Key Senators:
Senator Webb (D-VA): (202) 224-4024
Senator Lugar (R-IN): (202) 224-4814
Senator Isakson (R-GA): (202) 224-3643
Senator Corker (R-TN): (202) 224-3344
When you call: ask to speak with the staffer who handles women’s issues or foreign affairs. If you are a constituent, remember to mention that (and give your address).
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“I’m calling to urge Senator _____ to support the International Violence Against Women Act.”
“I support this bill because:
- Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation occurring globally;
- At least one in every three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime; and
- The International Violence Against Women Act supports measures to prevent violence, protect survivors and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Feel free to add additional reasons you care about ending violence against women. Also, if you can’t call Monday—still call! Anytime next week will still be within the critical window of opportunity we have to move the Senate to action on I-VAWA.
POSTING MESSAGES ON FACEBOOK: ALL WEEK (July 26-30)
Facebook page links for key Senators:
Senator Webb: http://www.facebook.com/jimwebb
Senator Lugar: http://www.facebook.com/senatorlugar
Senator Corker: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Corker/20966472424
SAMPLE MESSAGE:
One out of every three women worldwide will be physically, sexually, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. We can take a stand right now to help end violence against women globally. Support and vote for the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) this month!
Please share this action alert with your friends so they can help impact the lives of millions of women and girls at risk of violence.