During emergencies like disasters, armed conflicts, and even pandemics, violence against women and girls rises dramatically.

Domestic violence has risen around the world and countries like Somalia are experiencing an increase in female genital mutilation and cutting. Our own report predicts millions more child marriages will occur globally due to the increased financial strain caused by COVID-19.

Indeed, during emergencies like disasters, armed conflict, and even pandemics, there is a dramatic rise in incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), including:

• Child marriage
• Intimate-partner violence
• Rape as a tactic of war
• Trafficking
• Sexual assault or exploitation
• Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C)

Too often, gender-based violence isn’t recognized at the start of an emergency, and humanitarian responders are under-equipped to address it.

But together, we can make sure the safety of women and girls isn’t an afterthought. Join us in showing God’s love and justice to those most at risk of violence during crises by advocating for the Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start Act.

Since 2013, the U.S. has been a leader in global efforts to address gender-based violence during emergencies through Safe from the Start, a State Department and USAID program. These bills would strengthen coordination among humanitarian responders, provide survivor-centered services, and empower girls to be leaders in helping their communities return to normalcy. Ask your Senators and Representatives to become cosponsors of this legislation in the 119th Congress.

Read more about the Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start Act.

This bill is not yet introduced in the House or Senate. 

House
Date Introduced:
Number of Cosponsors:
Date Passed:

Senate
Date Introduced:
Number of Cosponsors: 
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(Last Updated 10/03/24)