The House of Representatives Pass Resolution Condemning All Forms of Violence Against Children

The resolution is part of a multi-year advocacy effort led by the Ending Violence Against Children Taskforce, a group of international non-governmental organizations – including Save the Children – who are committed to addressing physical and emotional violence around the world.

Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2020) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) and Save the Children, a member of the Ending Violence Against Children Taskforce, applaud the House of Representatives for passing House Resolution 230, which condemns all forms of violence against children. It also supports the development of a unified U.S. government strategy for preventing, addressing, and ending violence against children globally.

“We applaud Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Joe Wilson (R-SC) for their bipartisan cooperation in co-authoring this crucial bill. Violence, when unaddressed, greatly damages a child’s learning, development, behavior and health. Unfortunately, this damage often lasts a lifetime, which drastically undermines our development efforts around the globe. This is why the passage of House Resolution 230 is of paramount importance,” says Jill Carney, Associate Director of Global Health and Development Policy at Save the Children.

Mr. McGovern stated on the House floor, “Even though we have made great strides in identifying and addressing much of the violence that affects children and young people around the world, the sad reality is that violence against children is still pandemic. Every five minutes a child dies of violence. Half of all children, one billion, are victims of violence. Homicide is among the top five causes of death in adolescence. That is not just a shame, Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely unacceptable.”

Representative McGovern also recognized Save the Children and the Taskforce for its efforts.  “I also want to thank the broad coalition of organizations that have worked so long in support of this resolution, in particular ChildFund, Save the Children, World Vision, Futures Without Violence, and UNICEF USA.”

SCAN and Save the Children urge the Senate to approve a companion resolution, Senate Resolution 112, introduced by Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), and will continue to work with the Taskforce and Members of Congress to advocate on behalf of children around the world. The resolution’s passage comes as SCAN and its grassroots advocates nationwide take action in support of girls’ empowerment throughout the month of March. 

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