[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month, and on behalf of the victims and families affected by 
domestic violence, I rise to speak on this rapidly growing and 
widespread health concern. Domestic violence involves serious physical, 
sexual and psychological consequences not only for women, but for 
children and entire families. It affects our entire nation and cuts 
across all lines of race, age, socioeconomic status, sexual 
orientation, and religion. Not only does domestic violence include 
spouse or partner abuse and woman battering, it also involves child 
abuse, elder abuse, and violence between roommates.
  The devastating statistics demonstrates the urgency of this matter. 
Every year, 3 to 4 million women are beaten by male partners. Every 21 
days, a woman is killed by domestic violence, and every 15 seconds, a 
domestic violence act occurs somewhere in the U.S. This means that 
there are over 2.5 million victims of domestic violence per year. 
Almost 2 out of 3 females from this group have been attacked by a 
family member or acquaintance. In addition, more than 53 percent of 
male abusers beat their children, and 32 out of 1,000 people over age 
65 experience elder abuse.
  Domestic violence not only affects the victim but also affects 
families, relatives, and unborn children. While victims are traumatized 
and left with a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, the over 3 
million children who witness acts of domestic violence display 
emotional and behavorial disturbances. Also, pregnant women who are 
victims of physical abuse have greater chance of miscarriage.
  Unfortunately, domestic violence involves victims from all walks of 
life and all geographic locations. In Guam, of the 2,090 violent 
offenses reported to the Guam Police Department, 661 arrests were made 
for family violence. In 1999, the Guam Child Protective Services 
received 1,908 referrals, and between 1997 and 1999, the Guam Adult 
Protective Services received 907 referrals for the elderly and persons 
with disabilities.
  Such violence should not be tolerated. Every woman, man, and child 
has the right to a healthy and safe environment. Numerous national and 
state organizations have contributed to efforts in raising awareness, 
conducting programs encouraging preventive mechanisms, providing 
counseling services, and building centers or shelters for victims and 
their families.
  In recognition of this growing concern and the need to address this 
issue, October has been declared ``Family Violence Awareness Month'' by 
the Governor of Guam. It has included a Silent Witness Ceremony in 
honor of domestic violence victims, a Hands Across Guam Rally for 
island wide community outreach, a Family Violence Conference for the 
general public and professional staff, and a Poster Exhibition for 
Elementary Schools including children's artwork on family and love.
  Guam has also benefitted from the $300 million in ``STOP (Services, 
Training, Officers and Prosecution) Violence Against Women'' grant 
funds, which were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Violence 
Against Women Office to 4,715 grant recipients nationwide. Of these 
funds, 51 grants were awarded to agencies and organizations in Guam, 
totaling more than $2.5 million.
  Domestic violence is a widespread and growing problem needing urgent 
and constant attention. We must all work together so that women, 
children, and families can live in a safe and nurturing home 
environment. I will continually support this issue for all victims of 
domestic violence and for the healthy and safe environment of our 
entire Nation.

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