[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H6166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING KRISTI HOUSE FOR WORK WITH VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, since the catastrophic events of 
September 11, Americans are learning to work through the trauma of 
terror and victimization. We have become stronger and more united, but 
we will never forget the malicious acts that were committed against us.
  However, others live in terror every day. For example, many young 
victims of sexual abuse have fear each and every day of their lives. 
They, too, may not know when or how the perpetrator may strike, but 
unlike the victims of September 11, these children's own stories are 
often locked away in a family's conspiracy to ignore, deny, avoid, and 
even to forget the sexual abuse.
  Without appropriate intervention, child sexual abuse may lead to 
numerous behavioral and psychological disorders. In my south Florida 
district, Kristi House services these victims, and on Sunday, November 
11, they will host a benefit dinner and auction at Norman's Restaurant.
  Kristi House works with law enforcement, protective services, medical 
and legal agencies, to provide treatment unique to a family's 
situation. Each year, almost 2,000 children are victimized by sexual 
abuse. I congratulate Kristi House for their comprehensive and 
effective intervention which it provides each and every day.

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