[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 131 (Monday, October 17, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H8820-H8821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise to recognize 
October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thankfully, we 
have made progress in raising awareness and attention of domestic 
violence and providing assistance to the affected victims. However, it 
is a problem that has not gone away.
  We must not forget about these crimes that disrupt homes and destroy 
families. It is estimated that over 2 million acts of domestic violence 
take place each year here in the United States. According to a recent 
study in my home State of Kansas, one domestic violence act occurs 
every 24 minutes.
  Domestic violence is an issue that affects all aspects of our society 
and is not bound by race, economics or age. It can be blamed for 
increased medical care costs, decreased productivity, and increased 
absence from work. Domestic violence also promotes a culture of 
depression, hopelessness and fear. One incidence of domestic violence 
can create a cycle of despair that is difficult for not only the victim 
but also the entire family to overcome.
  In my small hometown of Plainville, Kansas, a family grieves over the 
loss of their daughter. Patty Kruse-Hicks, a kind, loving daughter, and 
a devoted mother to her three children, lost her life due to domestic 
violence. On April 19, 2004, the world changed forever for her family 
and all those who loved her. Patty is more than a statistic. Her legacy 
and love will live in the hearts of

[[Page H8821]]

all who knew her. Too often we think an act of domestic violence does 
not occur on our street, in our hometown, or to people and families we 
know, but this act of violence tells me that no street, no community, 
no hometown is immune.
  There are other victims of domestic violence who are often 
overlooked. Each year an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to 
violence committed by family members against their mother or caretaker. 
During 2002 in Kansas alone, there were over 8,000 cases where children 
were the victims of domestic violence. Children who see violence are 
more likely to commit or suffer violence when they become adults. The 
cycle of despair continues from one generation to the next.
  While the realities of domestic violence are grim, we do have hope. 
Our hope stems from the belief that with education, resources and 
support, victims of domestic violence can overcome their circumstances. 
Hope is what sustains and motivates the nine domestic violence centers 
I represent in my rural 69-county district. These agencies help 
advocate for victims, provide essential services, and spearhead efforts 
to increase domestic violence awareness throughout most part of rural 
Kansas.
  I would like to highlight one such effort. In Emporia, the SOS, Inc., 
agency recently partnered with the Girl Scout Council of the Flint 
Hills, and their Studio 2 Be Troop, including 40 girls, ranging from 
the ages of 11 to 17. This effort focused on teaching these youth about 
domestic violence and the legal system. The highlight of this year-long 
project was a mock trial event that the youth participated in during 
the month of September. The troop girls were the defense and 
prosecution teams, the jury, and even the victims of crimes. This 
project was supported by the legal community, and many lawyers and 
judges gave their time to work with these Girl Scouts. This project 
taught the participants that domestic violence is not okay and our 
communities should take it very seriously. This project was a one-of-a-
kind experience for these girls, and garnered significant national 
attention.
  Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to recognize October as National Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month. Thankfully, we have made progress in raising 
awareness and attention to domestic violence and providing assistance 
to victims. However, it is a problem that certainly has not gone away. 
We must not forget about these crimes that disrupt homes and destroy 
families. It is estimated that 2 million acts of domestic violence will 
take place this year in the United States. According to a recent study, 
in my home State of Kansas one domestic violence act occurs every 24 
minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance for the 
domestic violence programs we in Congress have responsibility for.

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