[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we gather tonight to recognize 
this month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Domestic violence against women remains an epidemic in the United 
States as well as around the world. A UNICEF study shows that up to 
half of the female population of the world becomes the victims of 
domestic violence. One in every two women is victimized!
  In our own backyard, the statistics are unbelievable. According to a 
Department of Justice released on October 28, 2001, women in their mid-
teens to mid-20's are three times as likely to be attacked by a 
significant other than an older women. However, middle-aged women 
between the ages of 35-49 are the most likely to be killed by an 
intimate partner than younger women. One in 10 girls killed between the 
ages of 12 and 15 dies at the hands of her boyfriend or significant 
other.
  The Violence Against Women Act of 2000, signed by President Clinton 
on October 28, 2000, improves legal tools and programs addressing 
domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Act also 
reauthorizes critical grant programs created by VAWA of 1994 and 
subsequent legislation, establishes new programs, and strengthens 
federal laws.
  I am proud to say that Congress has recognized that women and 
children victims of domestic violence deserve enhanced protection.
  But we must also take additional steps--we must continue to raise 
awareness. Socially, we must emphasize that women have choices. 
Traditional ideology has forced women to remain in dangerous and even 
fatal situations. Women are not the only one in a marriage responsible 
for its success. Stress, alcohol, problems at work, and unemployment 
does not justify the abuser's behavior. A woman's identity and worth is 
not based upon getting and keeping a man. An abuser's ``lucid moments'' 
from violence does not make him a ``good man''. Divorce is a viable 
alternative. And it's okay for family members to intervene and get help 
for the victims. Choices empower women to be strong and courageous 
enough to leave a bad situation and make a better life for themselves 
and their children.
  We must also understand the reasons that compel abusers to carry on 
their outrageous behavior. The abuser continues his behavior because 
violence is an effective method for gaining and keeping control over 
another person. The abuser objectifies women, sees women as property, 
and does not respect women as a group. Historically, punishment for 
this type of violence has lacked severity and thus deterrent for such 
behavior.
  We must also provide women with more resources. Most battered women 
have children, are not employed outside of the home, have no property 
that are solely theirs, and lack access to cash or bank accounts. There 
exist 3 times more animal shelters than battered women's shelters in 
the United States. We must work to ensure that women have the support 
system to permit them to leave an abusive relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, our country has come a long way from not treating 
domestic violence against women and children as a ``real'' crime to 
passing the Violence Against Women Act. But our efforts must continue 
to raise awareness of this very urgent issue.

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