Press releases and statements

Together for Girls applauds the introduction of the Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children Act

21st July 2023

By:

  • Mia Mazer
    Mia Mazer

    Policy & Advocacy Officer,
    Together for Girls

The Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children (SEEVAC) Act, led by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA-2) and Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), will update and strengthen existing U.S. Government efforts to end violence against children

Washington, D.C., July 20, 2023 — Together for Girls is thrilled to endorse the Strengthening Efforts to End Violence Against Children (SEEVAC) Act (H.R. 4798), introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. This bipartisan legislation, led by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA-2) and Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), would better align current intervention and prevention strategies with research and data and overall improve interagency coordination in addressing violence.

Together for Girls applauds SEEVAC’s focus on promoting evidence-based strategies and information-gathering capabilities to address violence, including the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS), and improving interagency coordination. Notably, the legislation focuses on using data to inform transformative action, aligned with the VACS Data to Action process and INSPIRE framework.

At Together for Girls, we know violence against children is a global crisis. One billion children have experienced sexual, physical, or emotional violence in the past year. That’s equivalent to one in every three children around the world.

“In order to create a world where every child and adolescent is safe, protected and thriving, we must first know the facts,” said Daniela Ligiero, Executive Director of Together for Girls, co-founder of the Brave Movement, and a survivor of childhood sexual violence.

“Codifying critical tools and holistic strategies to end violence against children will ensure the use of evidence-based solutions that protect the right of all children and adolescents to live in safety and dignity. Findings from the VACS have been a powerful catalyst for change and contributed to policies and interventions that reduce violence rates and ensure survivors can access the healing they need and the justice they deserve. We have the tools to act. The time to act is now.”

Read more about the act and view the fact sheet from the Ending Violence Against Children Taskforce.

About Together for Girls
Ending violence against children cannot be solved by a single actor or sector alone. Together for Girls is a global partnership working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents. Active in over 20 countries, Together for Girls unites actors that often do not work together, including national governments, United Nations entities, the private sector, civil society, and survivors. Through data and advocacy, Together for Girls drives action to break cycles of violence and ensure prevention, healing, and justice.