UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman applauds U.S. Congressional support to combat violence against women globally - Landmark Legislation on Ending Violence against Women Introduced in the United States CongressIn a decisive move to combat violence against women globally, the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) was today introduced in both Houses of the United States Congress. The bi-partisan bill represents an unprecedented commitment by the U.S. government to create a comprehensive strategy to reduce violence in a number of countries worldwide.IVAWA seeks to comprehensively incorporate progressive solutions into U.S. foreign assistance programmes, such as:  promoting women's access to economic opportunity and education;   investing in local women's groups; addressing violence against girls in humanitarian situations; encouraging legal accountability; and working to change public attitudes.Violence against women and girls affects everyone and undermines our collective development goals —based on country data available, up to 70 per cent of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In his remarks during the introduction of the IVAWA today, United States Senator John Kerry said, “Societies where women are safe, where women are empowered to realize their aspirations and move their communities forward—are healthier and more stable societies. This bill will protect women everywhere.”UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador and Say NO Spokesperson, Nicole Kidman applauded the efforts that have gone into the drafting of IVAWA and emphasized, “The IVAWA, when passed, will be a beacon, lighting the way forward in other countries. I urge you to say NO to violence against women by supporting the IVAWA. Partners of Say NO have given us new tools and ways that each of you can have a say – sign the IVAWA petition today."To amplify the voices of the women she has met through her work with UNIFEM and to share their stories of finding solutions to ending violence against women, Kidman had earlier testified at the October 2009 Congressional Hearing in Washington, DC. She had spoken to members of the U.S. House of Representatives Sub-Committee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, and strongly emphasized the urgency to invest in women, partner locally and provide resources for effective programmes in developing countries.The Bill was developed by the U.S. Members of Congress with Women Thrive Worldwide, Amnesty International USA, the Family Violence Prevention Fund, and organizational partners, in consultation with more than 150 groups including U.S.-based NGOs, U.N. agencies and 40 women's groups across the globe. The IVAWA has the potential to impact millions of women and girls worldwide. This is your chance to have a say - sign the IVAWA petition and urge the US Congress to pass this legislation.