[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H6932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Family violence is an epidemic affecting 25 percent of the 
population, and women account for 85 percent of the victims of domestic 
violence; but only half of female victims of violence report an injury, 
and of those, only 20 percent seek medical assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, along with many of my colleagues, I have been working to 
address and combat the prevalence of domestic violence in our society. 
For example, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and I authored 
legislation to provide women over 18 with the opportunity for domestic 
violence screening and treatment services.
  In addition, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and I have 
introduced a bill to establish an Office of Family Violence at the 
Department of Health and Human Services. This new office would 
facilitate coordination between the health sector, the justice system, 
and social services in the prevention of family violence.
  This month, let us remember the importance of the national campaign 
to raise domestic violence awareness. This campaign is critical to 
eliminating all forms of violence perpetrated against women, children, 
and men. We must stop the cycle of violence.

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