[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 125 (Wednesday, October 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10470-S10472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this month is Domestic Violence Awareness 
Month. It was launched over 20 years ago by the National Coalition 
Against Domestic Violence. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month commemorative legislation was passed by the Congress. 
It has been passed every year since 1989.
  We have come a long way in understanding the causes of domestic 
violence. Most importantly, we understand now that spousal battery is 
not a mere private matter, something that happens behind closed doors. 
Domestic violence is a crime. It devastates lives, rips apart families, 
and affects every aspect of community life. Its victims deserve our 
best efforts to prevent and prosecute family violence as we would any 
other violent crime.
  Battery is a pattern of fear and intimidation to establish power and 
control over another person. It is wrong. Battering happens when one 
person believes they are entitled to control another. Acts of domestic 
violence include physical assault, sexual abuse, and psychological 
cruelty. It often escalates from insults and verbal jabs to physical 
harm.
  Fortunately, the work done by many courageous and committed 
individuals, including community leaders and churches and police 
departments, family courts, shelters, and advocates, have made a 
difference. The Department of Justice reports that the number of female 
victims of intimate violence declined through the 1990s. The number of 
male victims of intimate violence also went down over this period.
  As a society, we are much more aware of the danger signs and of our 
responsibility to respond and to intervene and to act. We are also more 
aware of our responsibility as moms and dads and husbands and wives to 
teach our children by example the value of compassion and respect.
  I commend those dedicated to keeping this in the public's 
consciousness. I urge my colleagues to join in the effort to raise the 
public's awareness. We have come a long way, but there is still more to 
do.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Senator Biden has long been a champion in bringing 
domestic violence to the forefront of the national agenda. He was a 
leader in the bipartisan effort to pass the Violence Against Women Act, 
and I worked with him last year to ensure the independence of the 
Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice.
  The Violence Against Women Act made a statement in law that fighting 
domestic violence is not just sound family policy, it is a moral 
imperative. It made a statement that domestic violence is not the 
shameful secret of a select few families, it is an issue with immense 
repercussions for all of us. Most importantly, it made a statement that 
as a country, a society, and a national family, we can do something 
about domestic violence.
  As a direct result of the Violence Against Women Act our Nation has 
made significant strides in the fight against domestic violence. There 
are more domestic abuse hotlines and more shelters today than there 
were 10 years ago. There are more doctors, nurses, therapists, 
teachers, police officers, judges and other community leaders today who 
recognize the signs of domestic violence, and know how to help when 
they see those signs.
  VAWA has also provided financial means to Native American communities 
and tribes to combat domestic violence. Before 1994, domestic violence 
and sexual assault services and resources were rare in Indian Country. 
VAWA has enabled Native communities to provide safe locations, 
counseling services, and technical assistance and training, and it has 
given these communities the flexibility to tailor those services to the 
unique needs of Indian people.
  In addition, just last Wednesday, the Senate passed a VAWA STOP grant 
technical fix that would allow for a direct Federal tribal coalition 
relationship. This fix provides an important clarification to ensure 
that tribal domestic violence and sexual assault programs have a direct 
link with the Department of Justice underscoring the unique Federal-
tribal relationship.
  In South Dakota, in Rapid City and on the Pine Ridge Indian 
Reservation, a non-profit organization known as Cangleska is helping to 
break the cycle of violence by providing domestic violence prevention 
and intervention advocacy and services. Cangleska works with 
organizations like Sacred Circle that serve as a vital national 
resource for Native women, and I am proud to have it based in South 
Dakota.
  There are similar organizations doing good work in communities all 
across America, Native and non-Native, rich and poor. We have made 
progress. But there is much more to be done.
  Each year, more than 1 million women in America are victims of 
domestic violence, and more than 3 million American children witness 
domestic violence. Protecting the victims of domestic violence is 
essential, but it is not enough. Domestic violence does not just 
destroy families, it cascades through generations. Children who get 
abused or witness abuse are more likely to become parents who abuse.
  Next year, when Congress re-authorizes the Violence Against Women 
Act, in addition to taking further steps to prevent domestic violence, 
we need to do more to help the children who witness it. This is the 
only way to begin to break the cycle of domestic violence.
  This month, we acknowledge the strength and bravery of the victims 
and survivors of domestic violence, and we rededicate ourselves to 
raising awareness about and confronting this deeply disturbing issue.
  Let us also vow to do even more in the months ahead to create a 
country and a climate where home is a refuge, and domestic violence a 
thing of the past.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today on the Senate floor we are 
recognizing the month of October as National Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month.
  For far too long, we have been reluctant to talk openly about family 
violence. When I was growing up, few viewed violence in the home as a 
crime. As a young deputy sheriff, I learned that people thought of it 
as a private matter.
  Today, we know that domestic violence is not a private family matter, 
it is a serious crime.
  And for far too long, domestic violence has been seen as a problem 
which impacts only women, but this is not true either. Domestic 
violence is not just a woman's issue. It impacts the entire American 
family.
  Domestic violence damages children. The seeds of violence are planted 
early. We know that children are harmed both emotionally and 
developmentally when they witness or experience violence.
  Violence is a learned behavior. So, the cycle of domestic abuse 
continues generation after generation.
  Domestic violence also threatens the security and peace of entire 
communities. The impacts of abuse are felt by the families, friends and 
co-workers of victims. They are felt by law enforcement officials, 
medical workers and other social service workers who are called upon to 
repair the lives shattered by violence.
  Now, there are advocacy groups, support groups, 24-hour-crisis 
hotlines, and housing assistance.
  And, today there is a network of almost 1800 domestic violence 
programs in the United States. Approximately 1,200 of these include 
shelter. Now, most shelters include facilities for the children, too.
  Understanding first-hand the impact of family violence, I have made 
anti-violence and domestic violence legislation a top priority 
throughout my years in Congress.
  A year ago, during the month of October, the Stamp Out Family 
Violence Stamp was issued. The stamp, similar to the Breast Cancer 
Stamp, earns monies for domestic violence shelters throughout the 
country, with special emphasis on programs for children who witness 
domestic violence. By the end of July this year, the stamp had netted 
$1.2 million for shelter programs.

[[Page S10471]]

  But there is more to be done. Domestic violence can be prevented. 
Around the country there is innovative and exciting work taking place 
to help reduce family violence. While we must continue our efforts to 
provide help and shelter for victims, we must also step up our efforts 
in providing helps that will prevent violence.
  Many believe that enacting broader Federal laws is the answer to this 
problem. But, I believe that adding more rules on the books without the 
ability to enforce them is a hollow and incomplete gesture.
  We must all speak out on this issue. Victims must speak up and ask 
for help. Local, State and national authorities must speak up. And, 
communities must recognize the pervasive effects of violence on all 
aspects of community life. I believe that by combining education, 
research, and community-based efforts, we can create reasonable, multi-
faceted solutions to a problem that has no boundaries and knows no 
laws.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today with my colleague, Senator Kyl, 
I commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month and pay tribute to the 
millions of victims of domestic violence in the United States: both 
those who daily face fear and pain at the hands of the ones they love, 
and those who have had the courage to seek help.
  Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of 
bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you 
love and think loves you in return. It is estimated that approximately 
3 million incidents of domestic violence are reported each year in the 
United States. Tragically, domestic violence remains a pervasive threat 
to the fabric of America's families and the well-being of America's 
future.
  Around the world, one out of three women is abused by their domestic 
partner or another member of their family. This means that each of us 
probably knows at least one victim of domestic abuse.
  It is primarily a crime against women, who account for approximately 
85 percent of domestic abuse victims each year. Indeed, nearly one-
third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a 
husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, and each year as 
many as 324,000 women experience domestic violence during their 
pregnancy. It is truly heartbreaking to hear these victims' stories and 
to know that so many women and even some men face this pain on a 
regular basis.
  Domestic violence does not only happen to adults. Forty percent of 
girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or 
beaten by a boyfriend, and approximately one in five female high school 
students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating 
partner. And these are only the cases that are reported.
  Additionally, many children are caught in the middle, witnessing 
abuse or being abused themselves. Domestic violence is witnessed by 
between 3.3 and 10 million children every year. And, studies show that 
half of all men who frequently assault their wives also frequently 
abuse their children. The emotional impact of this abuse during 
childhood can have a devastating effect on the rest of a person's life.
  Domestic abuse creates a cycle of violence. Children who are abused 
or witness abuse are at a higher risk of abusing their own family and 
significant others as an adult as well as long-term physical and mental 
health problems, including alcohol and substance abuse. It is evident 
that these abuse victims follow the example they learned in childhood 
and continue the cycle of violence when they are adults.
  Statistics can show the wide scope of domestic violence, but numbers 
cannot demonstrate how frightening domestic violence is to a victim. I 
have read stories of many victims, both men and women, whose lives are 
changed forever by the fear and pain they feel as a result of their 
partner's violent behavior.
  Let me talk about just one story I read recently. At first glance, 
Pam Butler appeared to have the perfect life. She grew up in a stable, 
loving family in Palo Alto, CA. That stability was shattered when she 
met Michael Braga.
  Michael Braga was a charismatic but troubled man who quickly romanced 
Pam Butler. He began to control every aspect of her life: limiting her 
contact with friends and family, controlling her money and living space 
and chipping away at her self-confidence. This behavior quickly 
escalated into violence. Pam was beaten unconscious on several 
occasions. She painfully learned to hide the signs of the beatings 
because she was ashamed to be in such a horrible situation.
  After several beatings caused re-injury to an old skull fracture, Pam 
Butler realized that staying in the relationship could kill her. She 
enlisted the help of Santa Clara County Assistant District Attorney 
Joyce Allegro.
  I am pleased to report that Mr. Braga was arrested and prosecuted. 
Following his trial, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, one of the 
longest sentences for domestic violence passed down in California 
history.
  As a result of her experiences with domestic violence, Pam Butler has 
devoted many hours to assisting other victims. She is the Domestic 
Violence Victim Advocate for the County of Santa Clara's Social 
Services Agency. She has also spoken about domestic violence across the 
United States. Her story is an inspiration to every person who has been 
a victim of domestic violence.
  Another heartbreaking story is that of Michele, a Chicago woman who 
had been abused just as her mother and grandmother had before her. 
Michele's father hit and insulted her throughout her upbringing. 
Unfortunately, Michele was not able to break the cycle of violence and 
fell into the same trap as her mother and grandmother.
  Her first husband beat her, cheated on her, called her insulting 
names and controlled her ability to come and go from her house. 
Although she was well-read and bright, Michele did not believe she had 
the ability to escape this horrible situation.
  Ultimately, her husband left her and her children, and she continued 
the cycle of violence with other abusive men. Eventually, she and her 
children found themselves homeless. Only then did she realize that she 
could get help. Michele now encourages other victims to seek help and 
speak out against domestic violence.
  It is vital that we act to stop the cycle of domestic violence. To 
this end, last April the Senate passed the Victims' Rights Act by a 
vote of 96 to 1. I am proud to have been a long-time supporter and 
cosponsor of this important legislation. The act amends the federal 
criminal code to expand the rights of victims, especially the 
protection of victims of domestic violence, during the course of an 
alleged offender's trial and imprisonment.
  This is landmark legislation in its ability to ensure the rights of 
all victims, but it is especially important for victims of domestic 
abuse. The Victims' Rights Act assures victims the right to be 
reasonably protected from the accused. It guarantees the right to 
reasonable, accurate and timely notice of any public proceeding 
involving the crime, as well as any release or escape of the accused 
offender. And it protects the victim's right to be treated with 
fairness and with respect for his or her dignity and privacy.
  The Victims' Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of 
legislation that I have had the privilege of supporting during my 12 
years in the Senate. It is currently before the House Subcommittee on 
Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, and I strongly encourage the 
House to take it up soon.
  In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the victims of 
domestic violence and to call for an end to the cycle of violence. It 
is my sincere hope that we will all know peace and security in our own 
homes.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The minority leader is recognized.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I join the majority leader and others who 
I understand will come to the floor to call attention to the need for 
recognition of the problems of domestic violence. October is National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As the majority leader noted, last 
week we passed a resolution supporting the efforts to address more 
effectively domestic violence in this country.
  This is an important issue, a very troubling issue to people all over 
this country. We have been lax in recognizing the depth and the breadth 
of the problem within our country. In South

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Dakota and across the land, new efforts are being made to address the 
need for greater awareness, the need for greater education, the need 
for greater prevention, the need for greater response. And it is only 
if we as Senate leadership ensure that the people of this country 
recognize the importance of making this a higher priority will those 
needs be addressed throughout the Nation.
  So I commend those who are taking the floor this morning to once 
again draw attention to these needs, draw attention to our need to 
respond, and to draw attention to the important priority it ought to 
have as we consider public policy.

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