On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United States reaffirms our belief that gender-based violence is never acceptable, that women and girls have the right to live free from violence, and that countries are stronger when homes, neighborhoods, and communities are safe for everyone.

Over the past year—indeed, throughout history—there have been far too many brutal acts of violence against women and girls. While some of these cases have captured international headlines, too often the victims are left to suffer in silence and anonymity. But increasingly we have seen efforts to shine a bright light on this issue and spur a strong public response: social media campaigns that reach millions with stories of survivors, prosecutors who take seriously their duty to hold perpetrators to account, programs that work to prevent violence from occurring in the first place, and people from all walks of life who are taking action and leading their communities to rise to the challenge of ending violence against women. Full article