Torres Bipartisan Proposal to Protect Women and Children from Violence in the Northern Triangle Passes on House Floor

Violence against women in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala is a major driver of migration to the United States

The measure strengthens protections for women and children in their homes and communities to reduce female homicides, domestic violence, and sexual assault

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and Ann Wagner (R-MO), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Central America Caucus, announced that a proposal based on their bipartisan Central American Women and Children Protection Act of 2019 has passed the House as part of H.R. 2615, the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, and now moves to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. The provision would protect women and children in the Northern Triangle from domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and neglect, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

"Women and children in Central America deserve to feel safe and secure in their homes. We have to do more to address the root causes of migration, and this proposal is an important part of that effort," said Torres. "I was proud to work with Congresswoman Wagner to give these vulnerable victims the protections and resources to pursue justice. I urge the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly."

The legislative proposal would authorize the U.S. State Department to enter into bilateral agreements, known as Women and Children Protection Compacts, with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The legislative proposal has been endorsed by the International Justice Mission and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND).

"KIND applauds the passage of this critical bi-partisan legislation that strengthens legal protections for women and children, provides critical services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse and holds perpetrators accountable," said Cory Smith, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Communications for KIND.

"The United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act represents the highest ideals and objectives of effective U. S. foreign assistance. This legislation prioritizes creating safe communities for all people, especially women and children, to stem the root causes of migration. International Justice Mission is proud to endorse this legislation and is particularly pleased to this bill include designated funding to develop a public justice system response to domestic and sexual violence. We encourage the Senate to immediately consider and pass a companion bill to deliver protection for the most vulnerable populations in the Northern Triangle countries," said Tim Gehring, Policy Director for the International Justice Mission.