[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, last week I came to the floor to 
announce the realization of another component of our initiative to 
prevent violence against women--the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 
At that time, I indicated that I would come to the floor every day for 
2 weeks, whenever my colleagues would be kind enough to give me about 
30 seconds of time, to read off the 800 number to the hotline.
  The toll free number, 1-800-799-SAFE, will provide immediate crisis 
assistance, counseling, and local shelter referrals to women across the 
country, 24 hours a day. There is also a TDD number for the hearing 
impaired, 1-800-787-3224.
  Mr. President, roughly 1 million women are victims of domestic 
violence each year and battering may be the single most common cause of 
injury to women--more common than auto accidents, muggings, or rapes by 
a stranger. According to the FBI, one out of every two women in America 
will be beaten at least once in the course of an intimate relationship. 
The FBI also speculates that battering is the most underreported crime 
in the country. It is estimated that the new hotline will receive close 
to 10,000 calls a day.
  I hope that the new National Domestic Violence Hotline will help 
women and families find the support, assistance, and services they need 
to get out of homes where there is violence and abuse.
  Mr. President, once again, the toll free number is 1-800-799-SAFE, 
and 1-800-787-3224, for the hearing impaired.

                          ____________________