[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            HONORING ``ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS''' CARY DE LEON

                                 ______


                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 1994

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend a well deserving 
recognition to Cary De Leon and the exceptional work she does with 
women who suffer domestic violence. Once again, Ms. De Leon was 
recognized by the HISPANAS Democratic Women's Club of Florida as the 
Woman of Excellence 1994. Ms. De Leon has dedicated the last 10 years 
of her life to the promotion and awareness of issues pertaining to the 
betterment of women.
  As a volunteer with the Commission of the Status of Women and then as 
temporary chair of the very same commission, Ms. De Leon gained 
valuable insight into the deep rooted social problems well hidden in 
the Hispanic community. She was called to action by the staggering 
number of women who remain in the vicious cycle of physical and mental 
abuse who are unaware of the available resources.
  As the coordinator of Advocates for Victims, Ms. De Leon is in charge 
of eight women's support groups in Dade County. She left her high 
paying public relations job 5 years ago and committed herself to 
educating the public of the crisis surrounding domestic violence.
   Ms. De Leon also worked on a number of issues with the State 
attorney's office, where they challenged the judicial protection the 
State offered women in crisis. A year and a half ago, with the aid of 
several women's groups, the State attorney's office was able to open a 
court to deal specifically with domestic issues.
   Ms. De Leon's work is not self serving nor does she stand to gain 
from it. Although underpaid, she is willing to forego this matter so 
that other women, including her daughter, will not have to endure some 
of the hardships women must suffer in today's society.
  In honor of the hard work and dedication on behalf of all abused 
women, I pay tribute to Cary De Leon.

                          ____________________