International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Martyr Saad Conference Center
November 25, 2008
 

Good morning, your Excellency, Ministers, members of the diplomatic community, staff from the United Nations, members of non-governmental organizations, and those of you here today committed to the issue of protecting women in the community.  Greetings from the United States Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice. 

In the United States, we have chosen the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and participate in activities that remind us that violence against women is a common concern to all women, regardless of race, creed, or nationality.  Unfortunately, violence against women is an issue that greatly impacts the lives of many women and men worldwide.  The United States considers violence against women, whether occurring in public or private life, to be a significant human rights violation that deserves no place in society.  Governments should take all appropriate measures to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, whether those acts are perpetrate by the State or by private persons.

Violence against women exists in epidemic proportions in many areas around the world.  Whether occurring in the form of violence in the home or in the context of rape as a weapon in war and community conflict, such violence has devastating effects on women’s personal health, the family, and the community.  Women must be free from this threat to enjoy their full rights and to effectively be a part of local society.  The United States will continue to support women everywhere in their quest to gain the equal rights and equal justice that they deserve.

In our world today, one out of every three women will be beaten, raped, or otherwise abused during her lifetime.  We in the United States are not immune.  This violence creates a climate of perpetual fear that intimidate women and societies and is particularly pervasive in areas of conflict – where the strong too often exploit the weak, where no force of law or justice exists to contain the darker demon of human nature and where it is women and children who too often suffer the most.  As a matter of national security and stability, governments must use their political will to stop these atrocities.

The United States also plays a leading role in addressing the global problem of human trafficking, a dehumanizing crime that involves total control and extreme exploitation, turning people into commodities.  Since 2001, the United States has spent over $528 million dollars for international anti-trafficking programs in over 120 countries.  Through the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, we assess global trend in human trafficking and engage other countries in protection, prosecution, and prevention.

In response to the need for a coordinated response to violence against women in the United States, federal leaders created and passed the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, which included federal criminal provisions and important grant programs.  This act was reauthorized in 2000, and again in 2005.  Since passage of the Violence Against Women Act, there has been a paradigm shift in the way the U.S. approaches and responds to violence against women.  That change can be seen in local coordinated community responses.  There is also a belief that criminal justice officials, victims’ advocates, community leaders, health workers, elected officials, and others must work in collaboration to respond appropriately to violence against women.  Victims are safer and justice is better served when everyone in the community understands and is a part of the response.  Since 2003, the President’s Family Justice Center Initiative has opened 16 centers in the U.S., and this model has begun to spark international interest.  Several countries have already established their own versions of the family justice center model, and the San Diego Family Justice Center team provides training internationally to support these efforts. 

As we actively continue to raise awareness about domestic violence throughout the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence that runs from November 25th through December 10th, it is critical that our global community continues to highlight the work that is being done to eradicate gender-based violence during these 16 days.

And finally, let me say that the U.S. deeply appreciates the work of committed partners around the globe who share a vision of a world where women are no longer the victims of gender-based violence. We are encouraged by recent activities announced to address these problems in the Kurdistan region and look forward to seeing the results of the many outstanding efforts underway.   Thank you very much.

Bio of Marsha Lance