Ending Sexual Violence Worldwide

The April 8 Style review of the documentary "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo" posed the question, "What can be done for the women?"

The International Violence Against Women Act, now before Congress, provides an answer.

This legislation, which is unprecedented, would make the global crisis of violence against women a top U.S. foreign policy priority. The bill would authorize U.S. aid to promote international violence prevention programs. It would support health care and other services for survivors, promote access to education and economic opportunity, and better address violence against women in humanitarian crises.

The crisis of rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo illustrates the urgent worldwide need for pragmatic ways to prevent violence against women. This legislation offers just that and should be passed with broad congressional support.

MAUREEN GREENWOOD

Advocacy Director

Amnesty International USA

Washington