I need the ERA because… one in three women experience violence in her lifetime – Gender Based Violence

85% of UN Member States in the world have constitutions that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender. The United States is not one of them.

Over their lifetime, one in six American women will experience sexual violence. Data shows that marginalized communities, such as indigenous women, Black women, and young women will be disproportionately affected and have a harder time seeking and obtaining justice.

Despite the pervasiveness of these crimes, state and federal laws are often insufficient, inconsistent, and not systematically enforced, leaving women and girls vulnerable to GBV.

As part of our I Need the ERA because… campaign, launched to mark Women’s Equality Day 2022, we take a closer look at how the ERA would help move the needle on four crucial issues for women and girls, including gender based violence.

Explore our factsheet on how the ERA would impact laws relating to gender based violence in the United States.