[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Domestic violence is an epidemic in our 
country. Each year 4 million women are severely assaulted by their 
current or former partners--domestic violence is the leading source of 
injury for women between the ages of 15 and 44.
  For too long, we have addressed this violence only through the 
criminal justice system. It is more; it is a public health issue. 
Physicians, emergency room personnel and other health providers must 
enter the fight against domestic violence if we are to make a lasting 
change in violence in the home.
  Public health stresses prevention and early detection, while criminal 
justice emphasizes arrest and punishment. The partnership between 
public health and criminal justice can provide the personnel, 
expertise, and deterrence that is needed to address not only the 
symptoms, but the cause of domestic violence.
  The costs of waiting to address this epidemic are too high. Women and 
children suffer the cost of fear, depression, and often physical 
trauma. Our hospitals suffer the cost of continued emergency care.
  We have passed the Violence Against Women Act. We have started to 
provide the resources needed to end domestic violence. As we continue 
to fight, it is fitting that we see the public health implications of 
the crime of domestic violence.

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