Singer Fergie denounces violence against women; launches legal training institute in four nations to increase awareness

Songstress Fergie says the number of women who are abused by their partners "is totally unacceptable" and should be protected by existing laws that are often not enforced.

The Black Eyed Peas singer was at the State Department recently to announce a new Justice Institute on Gender-Based Violence initiative to launch training programmes in India, Nepal, South Africa and Mexico.

The training will bring together law enforcement, service providers and advocacy groups to ensure that abused women can rely on laws that are often not understood by local authorities or ignored.

Avon Products Inc. is funding the four training centres for USD 650,000. Fergie is a global ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women.

According to their survey, one in three women worldwide are abused by their partners during their lives.