Government agency joins sexual assault prevention initiative

The U.S. Department of State recently joined the efforts supported by Together for Girls, an international campaign that works toward protecting girls from sexual violence. The announcement was made at the United Nations Summit hosted in New York.

The campaign specializes in three areas - conducting national surveys, using information to launch preventative interventions and creating public awareness projects that encourage prevention of this epidemic. Together for Girls also works to educate young women about their rights, and how to protect themselves against sexual violence.

Victims of sexual violence include those who have been raped or sexually exploited, which greatly increases their risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as HIV. If left untreated, these viruses can lead to other health issues, including immune system complications, development of AIDS and death.

Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, stated that "HIV/AIDS continues to have a disproportionate impact on women and girls, and it is in part fueled by gender-based violence." He added that this campaign will create "a platform to develop appropriate, tailored and sustainable responses to sexual violence, and bring countries closer to a future free of sexual violence and HIV/AIDS."