[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
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

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month, I rise to speak on this social disease and the harm it 
imposes on our communities.
  Domestic violence is an unyielding presence in our society and has 
extended past the status of a law enforcement issue into a global 
health problem with far-reaching effects. Domestic violence triggers a 
seemingly endless string of physical, sexual, and psychological strain 
that occurs regardless of race, class, age, sexual orientation, and 
religion, and tends to transmit patterns of violent behavior to 
children who witness or are victims to domestic violence.
  The numbers of victims involved are staggering. Last year six out of 
ten rapes were committed by an intimate male partner, relative, friend 
or an acquaintance. A woman is raped every 6 minutes and is physically 
abused by her husband every 9 seconds. Each year, approximately 1.5 
million women are raped and may be physically assaulted by an intimate 
partner. In 1999, 1218 women were killed by a current or former 
partner. According to the Department of Justice, nearly half of the 
violent crimes against women are not reported to the police. Victims of 
domestic violence are often economically dependent on their offenders 
and are forced to remain with them and endure abuse. Many women who 
flee abusive homes and turn to shelters are turned away due to lack of 
resources. Even wealthier women may find their personal funds 
inaccessible after leaving a violent situation.
  Domestic violence particularly plagues our children. One in five 
child murders was committed by a family member. An estimated 70 percent 
of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children. 
Children of battered women are 12 to 14 times more likely to be abused 
sexually by their mother's partner. In homes where spousal abuse 
occurs, children are abused at a rate 1500 percent higher than the 
national average. These figures may be shocking statistics to some of 
us, but for many Americans domestic violence is a harsh reality.
  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.
  Domestic violence is an epidemic that we can no longer afford to 
tolerate. 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. This annual proclamation and commemoration 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 Services, Training, 
Officers and Prosecution (STOP) 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. Together we must all work to educate and 
eliminate domestic crimes so that women, children, and families can 
live in a safe and nurturing home environment. Therefore, I urge my 
fellow colleagues to stand together in support of this issue for all 
victims of domestic violence and for the health and safety of our 
entire Nation.

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