Women's Issues: Policy & News

Social workers increase efforts to end all forms of sexual violence and raise awareness about the issue amidst the #MeToo movement.

Susan Munsey, LCSW, founded GenerateHope, a nonprofit that provides long-term housing and trauma-informed therapy, education, and vocational support for young women and teens who have survived the trauma of sex trafficking.

A survivor of trafficking herself, Munsey is passionate about rescuing and rehabilitating women and educating people on this issue.

Carla Gonzalez is a clinical social worker and domestic violence survivor who leverages her professional skills and her platform as Miss U.S. World Elite (among other titles) as a vehicle for speaking out against domestic violence, bullying and sexual assault.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), also referred to as domestic violence, is a serious and persistent life-threatening criminal and public health problem affecting millions of people each year across the United States. IPV is prevalent in every socioeconomic group, regardless of race or ethnicity. Because of the pervasiveness of IPV, especially with women as the primary victim, it is not only a criminal justice and public health crisis, but also has enormous child welfare implications.

Coalition organizations, including NASW, welcome the introduction of the IVAWA by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D -NH) , Senator Susan Collins ( R- ME) , Senator Robert Menendez (D -NJ), and Senator Johnny Isakson (R- GA) . This bill addresses the violence that women and girls face around the world and makes ending it a central U.S. foreign policy priority.

The United States over the past few weeks has been engaged in a national discussion stemming from accusations about sexual harassment and sexual assault against women. Based on reports, these acts involved egregious disregard of the human rights and dignity of women. The national outcry speaks to the fact that sexual abuse—in all forms—is an affront to all Americans, not just survivors.