I am writing this letter to bring your attention to the issue of violence against women. As a young American interested in a violence-free society, I am pleased with the steps that have so far been undertaken to protect women in this country. However, my disappointment is that women are still not free from violence, and one of the reasons, is that the United States lacks comprehensive legislation to prevent violence against women and punish those who do such acts. I am concerned about the Senate’s blockade on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that was passed in the house of representatives last year. As the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, I am sure you are concerned with how this issue affects children and families.
One of the main reasons for the enactment of VAWA in 1994 was to prevent and punish acts of violence against women. The violence of whatever form has been proven to have significant negative consequences on society and the economy. Freedom, which is the pillar on which the American culture is built on, depends on the respect for everyone’s rights regardless of their gender. Protection from violence and abuse is not just a constitutional right but also a human right. Therefore, the lack of proper protection for women and girls against violence goes against the constitution of the land. But this is a matter that cannot just be looked at from the constitutional right angle. As a member of the Subcommittees on Primary Health and Retirement Security and Children and Families, I am sure you would like to know how violence against women and girls negatively affects the health and family institution.
First, violence against women and girls compromises the overall health of the individual and the family. There is scientific evidence to suggest that acts of violence can compromise the reproductive health of the woman and of the child (Taft et al. 2015). Therefore, it is essential to enact legislation that protects women against violence because violence towards women and girls could increase the overall infant mortality rate in the country. Women account for approximately half of the United States population, and it would be unethical for such a large group so continuously suffer human rights violations without government intervention. It is, therefore, up to the legislators to come up with policies that protect women from human rights abuses.
Second, violence against women increases the crime rates in the country and reduces the safety and security of American citizens within their neighborhoods and houses. Data from Xie et al. (2012) indicates that intimate partner violence in the United States stands at 7.7 per 1000 females above the age of 12. In a highly populated country such as the United States, that translates to over 2.5 million women who are physically abused by their intimate partner. I am sure you will not be okay if someone locks you in a room with 999 other people and tells you that 7 of you would be randomly picked to be physically abused. The rate of violence against women has decreased over the years, but that does not mean it is nonexistent. You cannot reduce the crime rates in the United States without increasing female protection. VAWA should be viewed as one of the instruments of reducing crime in the United States and making children and families safe.
Third, there is scientific evidence to suggest that physical violence at home creates emotional anxiety, stress, and aggressive behavior among children. According to Cao et al. (2016), externalized aggressive behavior was typical, particularly among male children that have grown up in homesteads with physical violence. Various children have had to undergo psychological evaluation and therapy after showing signs of aggressive behavior as a result of witnessing their mother or sister get physically abused. Cao et al. (2014) indicate that physical violence may create intergenerational transmission as the children carry forward the same behavior towards their spouses and children. The same study also showed that children may run away from home hence denying them the right to care, education, shelter, food, and healthcare.
Fourth, violence against women negatively affects the education or academic performance of children and reduces the productivity of women at work. It is difficult for women to achieve the same level of productivity and compete at the same level as men when they are dealing with cases of physical violence at home. Stopping violence against women and girls will, therefore, help the push for equal pay because women will be able to match their male counterparts in terms of productivity. The passing of the VAWA bill through the Senate will, therefore, send the right message regarding the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of every American citizen regardless of their gender and help foster a just society built on equality. It should go without saying that the protection of its citizens is the duty of the government, and neglecting a section of its population because of their gender shows the government has failed in its mandate.
Former President Barrack Obama had made efforts to try and renew the VAWA enactment. However, its implementation was only on a short-term basis, and despite efforts by some sections of both houses, its reauthorization has mainly been impeded by political differences on both sides of both houses.
As a United States Senator, you have actively participated in policies and matters of health and human rights. You have four reauthorization bills that have been enacted so far, and I believe you are the right person to push for the reauthorization of VAWA. I would, therefore, be glad to see you advocate for a society free of violence against women by supporting the enactment of the VAWA bill. I believe that by supporting this bill, you will improve the lives of millions of American citizens. There are millions of American women who suffer every year from physical abuse, and this bill could help many of them.
