[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 29 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE MELISSA INSTITUTE FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 1997

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Melissa 
Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment for its grassroots 
efforts in turning a tragic loss into something constructive for 
others.
  Melissa Aptman was brutally murdered on May 5, 1995, just 2 weeks 
before she would have graduated from Washington University in St. 
Louis, MO. A charming and gifted young woman, she was taken from her 
family, friends, and society by a senseless, violent crime. Melissa 
grew up in Miami and was a graduate of the Dade County public schools. 
While in college, she worked for the school newspaper, mentored an 
inner-city student, participated in sorority affairs, and sat on the 
Panhellenic Standards Board.
  Days before her death, Melissa wrote about violence against women on 
a college exam. ``Such acts,'' she wrote ``attempt to break the human 
spirit and destroy the state of mind of those involved.'' She added 
that ``In spite of the brutality imposed on them women almost always 
find some source of strength.''
  Melissa's family has drawn strength from her words. They believe that 
we cannot let evil win. As a result, they have turned their grief into 
action, launching their own battle against violence and its devastating 
impact on victims and their families by creating the Melissa Institute 
in her honor.
  The mission of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and 
Treatment is to bridge the gap between expert knowledge of the nature 
and impact of violence and the practical application of this knowledge. 
Their first major conference on violence and youth will be held on May 
2, 1997, in Miami, FL.
  We must work together to fight evil and violence.

                          ____________________