[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTERED WOMEN'S ALTERNATIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th 
Anniversary of Battered Women's Alternative, a non-profit agency in 
Contra Costa County, California, that serves battered women and their 
families. Founded in 1977, Battered Women's Alternative is a leader, 
providing technical assistance and resources to many other programs 
across the country.
  As we are all too aware, domestic violence is the leading cause of 
injury to women between the ages 15 and 44 in the United States. More 
women are injured as a result of domestic violence than are injured in 
car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Women of all cultures, 
races, occupations, income levels, and ages are battered by husbands, 
boyfriends, and partners. Batterers are not restricted to low-income or 
unemployed men. Approximately one-third of the men who undergo 
counseling for battering are professional men who are well-respected in 
their jobs and their communities. These include doctors, psychologists, 
lawyers, ministers, and business executives. Domestic violence also 
affects children. Half the children who live in violent homes 
experience some form of physical abuse. Unfortunately, one-third of 
boys who grow up in violent homes become batterers themselves, simply 
perpetuating the cycle.
  For 20 years, Battered Women's Alternative has provided a safe haven 
for those women who have taken the critical first step and escaped from 
their homes. Battered Women's Alternative serves more than 15,500 women 
annually through its 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, safe 
homes, traditional housing, legal advocacy, counseling, employment 
assistance and placement programs. Battered Women's Alternative also 
conducts extensive educational programs in the hopes of preventing 
future instances of domestic violence, many of which are targeted 
toward abusive men as well as younger children.
  Battered Women's Alternative is the largest domestic violence agency 
in the Bay Area and is the only agency which serves my constituents in 
the 10th District. The cities and County of Contra Costa formerly 
recognized the outstanding community service provided by Battered 
Women's Alternative on October 16, 1997. I ask that you join me in 
honoring this organization for their outstanding work and dedication in 
rebuilding the tarnished lives of the many women and children who are 
victims of domestic violence.

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