[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 38 (Monday, March 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN SUPPORT OF ``STOP VIOLENCE WEEK''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 2003

  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of ``Stop Violence 
Week.'' Domestic violence is a serious issue that plagues American 
families and continues to affect our society as a whole. According to 
statistics nearly one-third of American women, 31 percent, at some 
point in their lives, are physically or sexually abused by a husband or 
boyfriend. The National Institute of Justice estimates that, annually 
in the United States, nearly half-a-million women are stalked by an 
intimate partner. In my own state of Maryland a total of 20,688 
domestic violence crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies 
during the 2001 calendar year. Often times domestic violence and 
battery lead to more serious incidents. In one particularly infamous 
case in Maryland, a husband shot and killed both of his young children 
after his wife had filed for an order of protection against him.
  Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues throughout this week to use 
this opportunity to highlight the deplorable problem of domestic 
violence by speaking out, attending events, and wearing the symbolic 
tie or scarf to show your solidarity.
  Last year, Congress did the right thing by nearly fully funding the 
Violence Against Women Act programs better known as VAWA, but there is 
still much work to be done. VAWA programs are vital in assisting 
millions of women who suffer from spousal or partner abuse. We must not 
ignore this pressing problem. I commend the national and local 
organizations that continue to be advocates for victims of domestic 
abuse, and encourage them to keep up the good work.

                          ____________________