[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2028-E2029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 1999

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of October as 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is 
a national campaign created to focus public awareness on the problem of 
domestic violence.
  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 communities. These include doctors, psychologists, 
ministers, and business executives. Domestic violence also affects 
children. Half 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.
  I am proud that in my district, victims of domestic violence have 
been able to turn to Battered Women's Alternative. For the past 21

[[Page E2029]]

years, this wonderful organization 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 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.
  In recognition of the important work done by Battered Women's 
Alternatives every month of the year, I urge you all to actively 
participate in the many scheduled activities and programs planned all 
over the country that work toward the elimination of personal and 
institutional violence against women. Only a coordinated community 
effort can put a stop to this heinous crime and I urge my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing this important month.

                          ____________________