[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, there is no excuse for domestic 
violence. I join my colleagues to acknowledge October as National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to call for heightened public 
consciousness and more effective action against this devastating crime.
  Domestic violence is a national public health crisis, and is the 
leading clause of injury for women between the ages of 15 and 44. 
Approximately one-half of all female homicide victims are killed by a 
husband or boyfriend. Despite the overwhelming incidence of family 
violence, we do little to prevent its occurrence or to help its 
victims. In my home State of California, there are more shelters for 
abused animals than shelters for abused women. By working together to 
bring the light of public attention to this crime we can transform this 
dark scenario into a brighter one for America's families.
  Together, we must build upon the positive momentum initiated by 
Congress with the passage of the historic Violence Against Women Act, 
through effective educational programs and a legislative agenda to 
protect victims and to prevent this abuse from scarring future 
generations.

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