[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FAIRNESS TO MINORITY WOMENS HEALTH ACT; WOMENS HEALTH EQUITY ACT

                                 ______


                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 1996

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is an epidemic in our 
country. The statistics on family violence are staggering. Each year 4 
million women are severely assaulted by their current or former 
partners. In fact, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to 
women aged 15 to 44.
  This national tragedy affects women from all social economic groups. 
However, poor immigrant women with children face unique challenges and 
bureaucratic hurdles. Under current law, legal residents who are in 
abusive relationships are not entitled to AFDC benefits or food stamps 
if they flee their homes to escape domestic violence. As a result, many 
women are forced to choose between feeding their children or being 
battered.
  The current system has failed to provide protection and equity for 
battered immigrant women. This unfortunate situation had led me to 
introduce the Fairness to Minority Womens Health Act as part of the 
womens caucus' Womens Health Eqauity Act. My legislation would ensure 
that AFDC benefits and food stamps are granted to women and their 
children who escape domestic violent situations.
  At times it is difficult for battered women to talk about domestic 
violence. This is especially true for language minority women who may 
feel intimated by counselors who do not speak their language. My bill 
provides bilingual family planning and counseling services.
  This legislation also calls for a study on violence in the lives of 
Latino women and their children. Gathering factual data on the causes 
and effects must be a priority if the true extent of the problem of 
violence is to be addressed.
  Every women should be able to escape domestic violence. I urge my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in sponsoring this 
historic piece of legislation. We must work to ensure that all women 
seeking safety for themselves and their children get the help they 
desperately need. It's an investment worth making.

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