[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING ACCESS COMMUNITY HEALTH AND FAMILY COUNSELING AND THE 
                     COALITION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the mission and 
accomplishments of the coalition on Domestic Violence on the occasion 
of their benefit banquet which is being held today at the Bint Jebail 
Cultural Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
  The Coalition on Domestic Violence was formed in 1997 to provide 
cultural-sensitive services to the community served by the Arab 
Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). Recognizing 
that domestic violence impacts the very fabric of daily life by 
impairing the education of children, reducing productivity in the 
workplace, and denying freedom and security to victims and non-victims 
alike, ACCESS feels strongly that there needs to be a coordinated 
community approach to stop the violence. Many organizations including 
law enforcement, healthcare and educational institutions have pulled 
together to raise awareness about the problem and develop culturally 
relevant education programs.
  It is certainly appropriate that the Coalition on Domestic Violence 
chose October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to host 
their banquet which is entitled ``Facing Domestic Violence: A Community 
Stands Together.'' They are featuring presentations by two very well-
known women with important and unique perspectives on this issue. 
Camelia Anwar Sadat, the daughter of the late Egyptian President and 
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Anwar Sadat and his first wife, Ekbal, will 
share her valuable insights as a survivor of domestic violence. Denise 
Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, has committed herself to 
improving the lives of women and children by speaking out on the issue 
of domestic violence. It is exciting that they will be in Michigan to 
share their stories.
  Domestic violence cuts across ethnic lines, socioeconomic classes and 
religious backgrounds which makes it essential that we all work 
together to prevent it from causing more suffering. The Coalition on 
Domestic Violence is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished 
through a coordinated effort. I commend them for their excellent work 
and hope that they have a successful and educational banquet.

                          ____________________