[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12228-S12229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WEST VIRGINIA COALITION 
            AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTRAL SERVICE OFFICE

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I 
rise today to share my warmest congratulations to the West Virginia 
Coalition Against Domestic Violence Central Service Office on its 10th 
Anniversary celebration. Through its around the clock support, 
educational outreach and a network of safe shelters, the WVCADV Central 
Service Office providers mothers and children with the information and 
resources necessary to produce ``Peacemaking Partnerships''--statewide 
cooperation to eliminate domestic violence.
  Offering support on a 24-hour basis with an exceptionally educated 
full time staff, corps of volunteers and Americorps workers, the WVCADV 
has been able to help prevent, and in many cases help heal the scar of 
domestic violence in the state of West Virginia. Such commitment is 
essential in the campaign to stop domestic violence which has grown in 
staggering proportions. Statistics reflect that a woman is assaulted by 
her husband or intimate partner every fifteen seconds in the United 
States. Without effective mechanisms for intervention, this number will 
only continue to grow.
  The WVCADV plays a vital role in encouraging victims of domestic 
violence to come forward and tell their stories. Through community 
education, seminars and conferences designed to broaden public 
awareness of warning signs and other violence-related issues, the 
WVCADV is changing the past protocol of `looking the other way' into 
empowerment, response and prevention.
  Through the myriad of support services WVCADV has made available, the 
network of thirteen safe shelters in West Virginia provide a place for 
women and children as they begin the process of leaving violence-filled 
homes. With nearly seventy-five percent of fatal attacks occurring 
after separation, such safe shelters are essential to protect women and 
children from their abusers. These shelters not only provide a secure, 
stable environments with educational programs, but also offer direct 
contacts with legal advocates and law enforcement to ensure the safety 
of these women and children after they leave.
  Furthermore, through their collaboration with advocates and policy 
makers, the WVCADV fosters legislation which is essential to counter 
domestic violence--setting up mechanisms not only to protect abuse 
victims but also to increase and provide accountability for abusive 
behavior. In 1994, I proudly cosponsored the Violence Against Women 
Act, the first comprehensive piece of Federal legislation to address 
this important issue. I will continue to work with my collegues in 
Congress and with the staff of the WVCADV to ensure that the most 
vulnerable families get the support that they need to remain safe, 
stable and free of violence.
  Throughout the month of October, the WVCADV will hold events 
throughout the State to celebrate the progress they have made in 
fighting domestic violence. On November 6th a statewide event titled 
``In Celebration of Peacemaking Partnerships: Looking Back and Moving 
Ahead'' will demonstrate the 10 years of success and goals. I cannot 
think of a more fitting title for this anniversary celebration which 
recognizes the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 
Central

[[Page S12229]]

Service Office's leadership in forging model partnerships throughout 
West Virginia and across the nation.
  Again, Mr. President, I want to express my sincerest congratulations 
to the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Central 
Service Office for the work it has done and for all that it will 
continue to do in the future. Also, I would like to express my 
appreciation for all the WVCADV staff and volunteers. Such commitment 
and dedication that always inspires me in the work that I do on behalf 
of West Virginia children and families. I look forward to our future 
endeavors together as we continue to make great strides in creating 
``peacemaking partnerships'' throughout West Virginia and across the 
country.

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