Meng, Diaz-Balart, Houlahan, Stewart, and Frankel Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Global Gender-Based Violence

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Lois Frankel (D-FL) announced they introduced the bipartisan Safe from the Start Act (H.R. 571) that would help improve U.S. efforts to combat gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies across the globe, and promote standards for prevention, mitigation, and response to such crises.

The measure would improve upon and codify the Department of State-United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Safe from the Start Initiative, a program to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the needs of women and girls in international crises like natural disasters, war or pandemics. It would also provide Congress oversight of its implementation.

Incidences of gender-based violence have been proven to increase dramatically during emergencies, whether they be natural disasters, war, or pandemics. Since the onset of COVID, the impact of the virus has increased exposure of women and girls to domestic violence, lack of access to medicine and telehealth, and disruptions in income. Crises like COVID exacerbate risks for GBV, which is exactly what Safe from the Start is set up to mitigate. In fact, an estimated 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence during humanitarian emergencies, although the numbers are likely higher given the barriers associated with disclosure.

Reps. Frankel and Diaz-Balart also sit on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations; Rep. Stewart is a member of the Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Houlahan serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"We have long known that women and girls are exposed to gender-based violence during international crises," said Rep. Meng. "Today, we have the resources and tools to prevent unspeakable crimes from being committed to ensure they can thrive. The Safe from the Start Act seeks to build and improve on the initiatives already implemented by the State Department and USAID. This is particularly true in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as women and girls face increased risk of GBV. Protecting women and girls from gender-based violence is a nonpartisan issue and I look forward to our bill becoming law."

"The global risk of gender-based violence increases significantly during emergencies, such as natural disasters, refugee crises, and unrest," said Rep. Diaz-Balart. "As lawmakers, we must provide the necessary resources to mitigate and prevent these heinous acts from happening. I am proud to, once more, join my colleagues to cosponsor this critical legislation."

"Every time I think about the Safe from the Start Act, I think, how is it that in 2021 we still need this legislation? Women and children are running from physical danger only to find more physical danger. Safety and security is a "basic need" just like food, water, and shelter," said Rep. Houlahan. "It seems unbelievable that Congress would even need to say that, or even that this legislation isn't being introduced with every single Member of Congress as a cosponsor."

"America will always defend and support the most vulnerable--at home and abroad," said Rep. Stewart. "In times of crisis and conflict, Americans continuously step up and show compassion through leading humanitarian efforts. This bill builds on those values by ensuring children and women across the world are protected from gender-based violence."

"In order for women and girls to reach their full potential, they must be able to live a life free from violence," said Rep. Frankel. "We know that women and girls are at their most vulnerable when their countries are in crisis, which can lead to an increase in sexual violence and a decrease in access to reproductive care. This legislation would ensure that our government addresses gender-based violence in humanitarian crises. When women and girls are safe, secure, and empowered their communities have greater prospects for peace and prosperity."

Tarah Demant, Director, Gender, Sexuality, and Identity Program, Amnesty International USA said: "All people have the right to live free from violence, yet 1 in 3 women globally will experience violence, and in humanitarian emergencies, women and girls are even more vulnerable to violence. Ending violence against women and girls should be at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, including in work to address humanitarian crises."

Michelle Nunn, CARE USA President & CEO said: "It is critical that the United States make a robust commitment to address gender-based violence in its humanitarian response efforts. The Safe from the Start Act does just that, and we thank Representatives Meng, Houlahan, Diaz-Balart, Frankel, and Stewart for their bipartisan leadership on this critical and timely legislation. Women and girls displaced by conflict and disaster carry so much on their shoulders, yet their unique needs and rights are often overlooked. One in five women report experiencing sexual violence in humanitarian emergencies. The COVID-19 crisis alone may cause 15 million more cases of gender-based violence globally for every three months the virus causes shutdowns. Yet, we know this staggering reality is preventable. CARE strongly endorses the Safe from the Start Act for bringing attention to these issues and for standing alongside women and girls as they demand safety, rights, and dignity."

Richard L. Santos, President and CEO, Church World Service said: "Women and girls face increased risks of gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and protracted refugee crises. This is unacceptable, and all the more tragic given that displacement caused both by conflict and extreme weather events around the world continues to increase. The impact of COVID-19 now further exacerbates this situation, and has increased the risk of gender-based violence for women and girls everywhere. CWS accompanies women and girls in rebuilding their lives after being forced from home by conflict, persecution or disaster; we know their needs are profound and their voice, choice and agency need to be heard. We are proud to support the Safe from the Start Act and urge Members of Congress to do the same."

Esta Soler, President and Founder, Futures Without Violence said: "At Futures Without Violence we are committed to healing those among us who have been traumatized by violence. We applaud the introduction of the Safe from the Start Act in the House as it calls for dedicated actions to help protect women and girls from gender-based violence and save lives."

Dr. Nicole Behnam, Senior Technical Director of the Violence Prevention and Response Unit, International Rescue Committee said: "Violence against women and girls increases during all types of conflict and crisis; we know this from data and experience. This has never been more true or urgent as when COVID-19 has increased the risk of GBV for women and girls across the entire globe. We also know that we need to respond immediately and with qualified expertise if we are to support women and girls who have been exposed to gender-based violence and to help lower their risk. That's why the International Rescue Committee is supportive of the Safe from the Start program and is excited to see this bipartisan effort to ensure that it continues."

Anissa Toscano, Vice President for Humanitarian Leadership and Response, Mercy Corps said: "Beyond its devastation to public health, COVID-19 is leaving communities more vulnerable to violence and conflict, which is driving record levels of displacement affecting nearly 80 million people around the world. We know that in the midst of humanitarian crises, social structures and government services collapse, leaving the displaced more vulnerable to violence and abuse. That is why it is critically important that every humanitarian response includes proactive strategies to prevent gender-based violence and prioritize the needs of women and girls and why Mercy Corps calls on Congress to pass the Safe from the Start Act."

Erin Erlenborn, Director of Government Affairs and Policy, Oxfam America said: "During humanitarian crises, women and girls face increased sexual and gender-based violence and require immediate, life-saving assistance, including access to medical and psychosocial services. COVID-19 has intensified this violence, creating a shadow pandemic and an urgent need for gender-based violence prevention and response efforts. That's why Oxfam applauds the introduction of the Safe from the Start Act of 2021, a bill that will help combat gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies by protecting and empowering women and girls through prevention, monitoring and accountability mechanisms, as well as promoting women's leadership and collaboration with women-led organizations."

Aapta Garg, Senior Program Officer, Promundo-US said: "With the increase in sexual violence and assault incidents during humanitarian emergencies, it is incumbent upon international humanitarian efforts to implement early and coordinated protections to prevent and address gender-based violence. Promundo unequivocally supports efforts to design and support evidence-based interventions with a clear gender lens that builds the capacity, coordination, and accountability of organizations on the front line to respond to these needs. The Safe from the Start Act, which codifies an existing program, has the potential to effectively and positively impact the lives of those facing humanitarian emergencies and address the needs of those most vulnerable to gender-based violence."

Eric Schwartz, President, Refugees International said: "We applaud the introduction of the Safe from the Start Act and thank Representatives Meng, Houlahan, Diaz-Balart, Frankel, and Stewart for their bi-partisan support of this important legislation. The Safe from the Start Act recognizes that forcibly displaced women and girls face increased threats of gender-based violence (GBV) and that U.S. funding must support prevention and respond to GBV at the onset of an emergency. The measures contained in this bill are especially important now, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dramatic increases of GBV worldwide, particularly among some of the most vulnerable displaced women and girls. The bill also recommits that U.S. supported programs will include the meaningful participation of affected women and girls, which is essential when designing effective programs. Displaced women and girls know their needs best. Refugees International endorses the Safe from the Start Act and encourages Congress to pass this essential legislation."

The Safe from the Start Act is endorsed by: Advancing Girls Education in Africa (AGE Africa), Alliance for Peacebuilding, American Jewish World Service, American Red Cross, Amnesty International USA, Bethany Christian Service, CARE USA, Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), Center for Victims of Torture, ChildFund International, Clearinghouse on Women's Issues, Feminist Majority Foundation, Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, TB, and Malaria, Friends of UNFPA, Futures Without Violence, Global Rights for Women, Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, GreeneWorks, Guttmacher Institute, Heartland Alliance International, HIAS, International Action Network for Gender Equity and Law, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, International Youth Committee, International Youth Foundation, Islamic Relief USA, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, Jewish Women International, Jewish World Watch, Kronia Collaborative, Landesa, Last Mile4D, Mercy Corps, Mercy-USA for Aid and Development, National Association Social Workers, National Democratic Institute, National Organization for Women, North American MenEngage Network, Oxfam America, PAI, Pathfinder International, Plan International USA, Population Institute, Population Media Center, Promundo-US, Radiant International, Refugees International, The Global Women's Institute (GWI) at the George Washington University, The Hunger Project, Together for Girls, UN Women USA, UNICEF USA, Virginia Equal Rights Coalition (VERC), Vital Voices Global Partnership, War Child USA, Women for Afghan Women, Women for Women International, Women Graduates USA, Women Watch Afrika, Inc., Women's Refugee Commission, World Relief, and Zonta International.