Stopping violence against women

By Camille Garrett, Henderson

Monday, March 17, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

Violence against women is not just a domestic problem but has become a global epidemic. Every community and every country is deeply affected by violence against women, and an astounding 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience violence during her lifetime.

This global violence impedes women’s economic progress and hinders equality reform. We are not immune here in Las Vegas, as the ferocity of domestic violence is reported on a regular basis.

The International Violence Against Women Act would permanently incorporate gender-based violence prevention and response into all U.S. government programs abroad. It would make existing initiatives to combat gender violence more efficient and effective and prioritize ending violence against women.

We would like to thank Rep. Joe Heck for his commendable leadership in sponsoring the act in the House of Representatives. Violence against women and girls is a global scourge that demands a strong response, and we are grateful to Heck for supporting human rights. Violence against women is not cultural; it is criminal.

We urge all of Heck’s constituents to thank him for his leadership.

Congressman, please encourage your colleagues to follow your example and join you in supporting the act.

The writer is the legislative coordinator for Amnesty International.