[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E411-E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MELISSA HART

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2001

  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, Susan B. Anthony once said that she prayed 
every moment of her life. Not on her knees, but in her work. She said 
that she prayed to bring women to an equal standing with men. It is 
this sense of equality and justice that we celebrate during Women's 
History Month every March. As important as it is to recognize the 
courage and vision of women's past accomplishments, it is even more 
important to take our cue from those pioneers and act to alleviate some 
of the injustices that still take place. One such injustice is the 
continuing problem of domestic violence.
  Studies have shown that each year, more than 2 million women are 
assaulted by their partner--while the real number may be twice that. I 
do support efforts to counsel and change abusers. Many abusers have 
been able to change their attitudes and behavior towards their partners 
and keep their families together. Unfortunately, many have not, and the

[[Page E412]]

women, despite the threat to themselves and their children, stay in 
these abusive relationships. According to the National Coalition 
Against Domestic Violence, one of the major reasons women stay in them 
is a lack of resources or fear of independence--a sense that there is 
nowhere else for them to go, and there is nowhere for them to get help. 
They believe that if they leave their partners, they will be forced 
into poverty and unable to provide for their children.
  Strong women fought to break all women free from the shackles of 
being second-class citizens those many years ago. We vote, we work, and 
we succeed on our own. But too many still need help to enjoy this 
freedom completely. One of the most impressive programs that I have 
come across in my years in public service that addresses these concerns 
is New Choices/New Options. This program provides these new heads-of-
household with the skills necessary to compete in today's marketplace. 
It is a program focused on providing assistance for displaced 
homemakers. What is most notable about this program is that in addition 
to teaching career development skills, it helps to instill a new sense 
of self-confidence in the women who participate in this program. Many 
women who come from abusive relationships not only need job training, 
but perhaps more importantly, they need the tools to help rebuild their 
lives--they need us to help them become pioneers for their children's 
futures.
  Participants work one-on-one and in group settings to assess their 
needs and then design a plan to help meet these needs. They learn 
conflict resolution techniques and develop effective decision-making 
skills. This program helps participants build a safe and secure future 
for themselves and their families. It is so crucial that these women 
break this new ground like their sisters before them so they can break 
the cycle of domestic violence.
  Domestic violence is a societal ill that can occur at any time, to 
anyone. Let us confront this issue head on, so that during some future 
celebration of Women's History Month, someone can take to this very 
floor and commemorate the end of domestic violence.

                          ____________________