[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 37 (Friday, March 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM HOLDEN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2003

  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against domestic 
violence. Domestic violence is a harsh reality facing our country that 
we as a Congress must stand up and fight against.
  In my seven years as a County Sheriff, I encountered hundreds of 
domestic violence cases. This is a societal problem that knows no 
income barriers, no racial barriers, and no geographic barriers.
  Within our society, domestic violence causes irreparable damage to 
the family. Domestic violence is a main cause for child neglect and 
severely distorts a child's perspective on the relationship between 
mother and father.
  The sight of a victimized mother is a sight no child in this country 
should ever see. Children who are raised in homes where domestic 
violence continues live in fear for their own lives, afraid to speak 
out so they won't become the victim.
  Now more than ever, it is time to stand up against these domestic 
bullies. We must lead the way as a Congress to end this disgrace and 
provide a safer way of life for all of America's families.

                          ____________________