Policy alert: Urgent action needed to protect against gender discrimination for Latin@ survivors of gender-based violence

20 November 2024

Background:

President Biden has the opportunity to publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution before his term ends. This is crucial for Latin@ survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Why this matters for Latin@ survivors:

  1. Constitutional protection: The ERA would provide explicit constitutional protection against gender discrimination, which disproportionately affects Latin@ survivors.
  2. Strengthening legal recourse: With the ERA, Latin@ survivors would have stronger legal grounds to challenge GBV and discrimination.
  3. Ensuring access to services: Constitutional protection could safeguard access to vital services for Latin@  survivors, including domestic violence shelters and reproductive healthcare.
  4. Cultural sensitivity: The ERA could promote more culturally sensitive policies and practices in addressing GBV in Latin@ communities.

Preventive measures:

  1. Deterring violence: Constitutional recognition of gender equality sends a powerful message against GBV, potentially reducing its occurrence in Latin@ communities.
  2. Encouraging reporting: Stronger legal protections may empower more Latin@ survivors to report abuse and seek help.
  3. Breaking cycles: Constitutional support for gender equality can help challenge cultural norms that perpetuate GBV in some Latin@ communities.
  4. Ensuring long-term protection: With potential changes in administration, enshrining the ERA now could protect against future rollbacks of gender equality protections.

Urgent action needed:

We have only 66 days to ensure the ERA becomes part of the Constitution. This is our chance to cement protections for Latin@ survivors of GBV.

Call to action:

  1. Call the White House: (202) 456-1111
  2. Text the White House: (302) 404-0880
  3. Message: “President Biden, make publishing the ERA part of your legacy. Protect all survivors, including Latin@ survivors of gender-based violence by enshrining gender equality in the Constitution.”
  4. Share on social media using hashtags: #PublishERA #ERANow #BidenLegacy

If you have further questions, please contact our Public Policy Manager, Yasmin Campos-Mendez at Ycamposmendez@esperanzaunited.org or visit the ERA Coalition’s call-to-action kit.

Act now to protect ALL survivors and prevent future gender-based violence. Your voice can make a difference in enshrining these crucial protections.