Baha’i representatives will join the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition on Tuesday, May 11, in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the swift passage of International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA)—America’s first comprehensive legislation to end violence against women and girls around the world.

According to the coalition, approximately one in three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. In some countries the rate is as high as 70 percent. The legislation, which was introduced to Congress in February of 2010, will integrate violence prevention in U.S. foreign policy and support innovative programs that have been shown to effectively reduce violence against women and girls.

“Passage of the International Violence Against Women Act would be a significant step in the effort to end violence against women around the world,” said Gleibys Buchanan, the National Spiritual Assembly’s representative for the advancement of women. “Our coalition hopes to illustrate to members of Congress that the faith community stands united in support of this legislation.”

To learn more about how you can help end domestic violence in your community, please visit: http://www.bahai.us/domestic-violence.