[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]

 
                           DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, as we begin the month of October, we are 
reminded that this is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am wearing a 
purple ribbon to show my support for the effort to eliminate domestic 
violence. This is an issue which was once considered a family matter--
when in fact, it is a crime. It is the worst crime against women 
because in most cases the abuser is someone the woman is familiar 
with--and many times someone she loves. Statistics indicate that every 
15 seconds a woman is battered in the United States. In 1 year more 
than 4,000 women have been killed by their husband or partner. These 
statistics are despicable.
  As we complete this session of Congress--and I complete my first term 
as a U.S. Congrsswoman--I have been reflecting on the accomplishments 
of this body. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the 
passing of the Violence Against Women Act. This is a bill which says to 
women everywhere that we care and that we take this matter very 
seriously. It is no longer a family matter, it is a situation deserving 
of national attention and action.
  I want women to feel safer because of our work here. I want them to 
know that their elected officials are making necessary changes to 
ensure their safety on the streets and especially in their homes. I 
want them to know that the law is on their side and they do not have to 
sit back and take abuse.
  Let us salute the survivors of domestic violence--and let us take 
action to remind abusers that this type crime will no longer be 
tolerated.

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