[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, October is the month set aside to 
bring national attention to the crime of domestic violence in this 
country. It is a crime that affects people in all communities, 
transcending economic, geographic, and racial lines. With a woman 
battered every 13 seconds it has reached epidemic proportions and is 
the greatest cause of injury to women in the United States today. Yet, 
the nature and seriousness of domestic violence as a crime is often 
ignored.
  To combat domestic violence, education is a vital component to 
helping society understand the problem, and to changing attitudes and 
perceptions about this crime. By raising the level of awareness and 
understanding about domestic violence we can overcome the shameful 
stigma and psychological barriers and associated with this epidemic 
that prevent us from effectively ending the cycle of violence.
  As co-chair of the Violence Against Women Working Group, I will co-
host a reception in Los Angeles with California State Senator Hilda 
Solis on October 14, 1997, to honor organizations and individuals that 
work tirelessly against domestic violence. This year's reception will 
honor Alana Bowman, special assistant to the Los Angeles City attorney, 
the Domestic Violence Coalition at California Hospital Medical Center, 
Junior Leagues of California's Silent Witness Project, and El Monte 
City mayor, Pat Wallach.
  Alana Bowman has been a champion for victims of domestic violence for 
over 10 years. As the former head of the Domestic Violence Unit for the 
city attorney, she set the standard for prosecution of offenders in the 
city of Los Angeles. Ms. Bowman has played a key role in the 
development of landmark legislation of domestic violence and continues 
to do so in her new position as special assistant and as a member of 
the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women. She is the 
author of numerous legal manuals and article on domestic violence.
  To meet the needs of the surrounding community and as a response to 
the request from the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division, 
California Hospital Medical Center formed the Domestic Violence 
Coalition in 1996, under the direction of Dr. Robert Splawn. The 
coalition is comprised of representatives from the LAPD, city and 
district attorney's offices, elected officials, shelter, advocacy 
agencies, and hospital staff. Its mission is to provide immediate, 
compassionate support services to victims, and to work towards the 
prevention of domestic violence.
  The mission of Junior Leagues of CA Silent Witness Project is to 
``promote peace, healing and responsibility in adult relationships in 
order to eliminate domestic murders in the United States by the year 
2010.'' The project is a memorial to personalize the individual woman 
behind the horrifying statistics of domestic violence. The exhibit 
educates and galvanizes public and legislative support to the domestic 
violence.
  Mayor Pat Wallach of El Monte has been a steadfast supporter of 
services for domestic violence victims. Most recently, she led the 
fight that resulted in the city's contribution of $167,000 in HOME 
funds to buy a building that was transformed into a shelter for 
battered women and their children.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge my 
colleagues to join me and Senator Solis in recognizing and 
congratulating these individuals and organizations who are devoted to 
the elimination of the domestic violence cycle and to educating our 
communities about this hideous crime.

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