[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

                                 ______


                          HON. KAREN SHEPHERD

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 28, 1994

  Ms. SHEPHERD. Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday night in Salt Lake County, 
Deolyn Oliver was brutally shot and killed, leaving behind three young 
children. When police arrived, they found her husband standing in the 
doorway, speaking to his lawyer on the telephone. Salt Lake County 
officers had been called to her home five times over the past 7 months. 
When asked, the only thing her youngest child could say was that ``his 
mom won't ever have to hurt again.''
  Last year, 19-year-old Tiffany Despain of Salt Lake was ruthlessly 
raped three times at knife point by her 22-year-old ex-boyfriend after 
he had repeatedly violated court restraining orders. Despite Despain's 
numerous complaints to the police, the attacker had only received 
warnings and before being arrested, he attempted to run Tiffany off the 
road. Tiffany Despain had to flee the State for her protection.
  What happened to Deolyn Oliver and Tiffany Despain are not unique 
incidents. These woman are only two of thousands of women every year 
who face fear and violence in the very place where they should feel 
safe--in their own homes.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the strongest 
Violence Against Women Act possible. It may be too late for Deolyn 
Oliver, but there are many, many more women out there whose lives could 
be saved by the swift action of this body.

                          ____________________