[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


                             {time}   1120
 
                           DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Cantwell). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of February 11, 1994, and June 10, 1994, the gentlewoman from 
Connecticut [Ms. DeLauro] is recognized during morning business for 2 
minutes.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, as tragic as any one high-profile, 
domestic violence case may be, the truth is 2 million women in the 
United States are beaten by their partners every year--that's one woman 
beaten every 16 seconds. In my home State of Connecticut and 
nationwide, violence by male partners surpasses automobile accidents, 
muggings, and cancer deaths combined as the leading cause of injuries 
for women between the ages of 15 and 44. Clearly an epidemic of 
domestic violence is plaguing our Nation.
  Domestic violence is not a family matter, it is a crime. And we have 
a responsibility to address it, as we would any other crime. We need to 
invest in smart prevention and tough punishment programs. We have a 
responsibility to create and fund effective prevention programs, to 
provide services to victims of domestic violence and to stiffen 
penalties so that domestic abusers are punished and serve time behind 
bars. That is what the Violence Against Women Act is all about.
  The Violence Against Women Act contains the most ambitious and 
comprehensive proposals this body has ever passed regarding domestic 
violence. It will provide millions of dollars to State and local 
governments; it will help implement mandatory arrest programs and 
training programs for police and prosecutors; it will create a national 
toll free hotline to assist victims of domestic violence; and it will 
make interstate stalking and domestic violence a Federal crime.
  These programs and penalties are ones that experts and victim 
advocates have been recommending for years. Their inclusion in the 
crime bill sends an strong message that Congress recognizes domestic 
violence as criminal and as the worst kind of violence because it is 
perpetuated against those who are the most vulnerable--women and 
children.
  Madam Speaker, I urge the conference committee to send us a final 
bill that includes the Violence Against Women Act, so we can send it 
onto the President for his signature. If ever there was a time to make 
a difference in the lives of those victimized by domestic violence and 
to do something about preventing it, the time is now--while the Nation 
is watching. Let us not miss this crucial opportunity.

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