[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

  (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, violent acts in this Nation and around the 
world must end. Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, or 
VAWA, in 1994, the United States has systematically addressed abuse and 
violence against women, and we have to continue that tradition; but it 
appears we have just begun.
  Around the world, at least one woman in every three has been beaten, 
coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Most often the 
abuser is a member of her own family. Women have the right to feel safe 
in their own homes and on the streets, and law enforcement and health 
officials must be equipped to deal with the special needs of these 
tragic situations.
  The Violence Against Women Act has been the essential part of 
strengthening a support system for abused women in our country. Mr. 
Speaker, that is why I urge my colleagues to support the 
reauthorization of VAWA in this Congress so we can continue making the 
lives of all women safer, healthier, and happier.

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