[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House passed H.R. 1248, 
the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1999 by a vote of 415-3. H.R. 
1248 will reauthorize the act for 5 years and expand preventive 
measures against violence against women.
  This measure will maintain and expand battered women's shelter 
programs, rape prevention programs as well as provide assistance to the 
growing number of victims.
  While I was a state senator in California, I introduced similar 
legislation because I believed then, as I do now, that this issue is 
extremely important to the lives of women and their children. It has 
been ignored for too long.
  In the past, domestic violence was not considered a crime. Today, 
however, police officers are getting trained to understand these crimes 
as well improve their ability to enforce the law.
  VAWA has provided critical services to thousands of battered women. 
Since VAWA passed, the Department of Justice and Health and Human 
Services have awarded over $1.6 billion in grants nationwide to support 
the work of prosecutors, law enforcement officials, the courts, 
victims' advocates, health care and social service professionals, and 
intervention and prevention programs.
  In addition, VAWA established a domestic violence hotline, which has 
received over half a million calls.
  Unfortunately, domestic violence still devastates the lives of many 
women and children. Nearly 900,000 women experience violence at the 
hands of an intimate partner every year. Close to one-third of women 
murdered each year are killed by their husbands or significant other; 
and domestic violence accounts for over 20% of all violent crimes 
against women.
  Children should not have to watch their mothers get beaten. 
Unfortunately, some of these children grow up to continue the cycle of 
abuse. And, they end up in prison.
  Again, I am pleased with the passage of the VAWA because it has 
helped to save numerous lives of women and their children. This law has 
provided battered women and their children, a safe haven, and the 
support necessary for their physical and emotional security.
  VAWA has given a second chance to these women as well as saved many 
of their lives.
  Violence against women should not be tolerated. This legislation 
provides greater protections to all the women who have been victimized 
and abused.

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