In an encouraging trend, the U.S. Congress is continuing to provide a forum for discussion about international violence against women. Paralleling the Senate hearing that was featured in a CP article last week, the House also held a hearing on Wednesday surrounding the pending re-introduction of the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA).

The bill was first introduced last year in the Senate by then-Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), but never passed. It is time for our leaders to finally address the horrific state of global women's rights. Hopefully the House hearing signifies that the government is getting serious about the vital role they can play in solving this widespread tragedy.