Helen Jones

Together for Girls is a global public-private partnership dedicated to ending violence against children, particularly sexual violence against girls. In partnership with governments, civil society and the private sector, Together for Girls calls attention to the issue of violence against children and mobilizes support for country-driven efforts for change through a three-pronged approach to prevent and respond to violence: 1. National Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) and data, led by CDC as part of the Together for Girls partnership, to document the magnitude, nature and impact of physical, emotional, and sexual violence against girls and boys. 2. Comprehensive, evidence-based, coordinated policy and programme actions across sectors in countries to address issues identified through data, under the leadership of national governments, with overall coordination and technical support led by UNICEF. Multi-sectoral responses include legal and policy reform, improved services for girls and boys who have experienced violence, and prevention programs. 3. Global advocacy and public awareness efforts to bring attention to the problem, promote evidence-based solutions, and provide a platform for survivors, young people, and advocates to share their stories. Founded in 2009, the Together for Girls partnership brings together six UN agencies, the governments of the United States and Canada, several private sector organizations, and implementing country governments to prevent and respond to violence against children, as a fundamental step to achieving individual rights and well-being, gender equality, and sustainable development. UN partners include UNICEF, UNAIDS, UN Women, WHO/PAHO, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, and UNFPA. The United States and Canada are represented by their respective agencies: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Our private sector partners are Cummins&Partners, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), the CDC Foundation, and the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. Currently, the partnership works with more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe to generate comprehensive data and solutions to this public health and human rights epidemic. For more information, visit www.togetherforgirls.org.