[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' WEEK AND LAS VEGAS TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize National Crime 
Victims' Week, which began April 23 and runs through April 29. This 
year's theme is Victims' Rights: Strength in Unity. Victims of violent 
crime may never be able to forget the trauma they have suffered, but 
with unity and support, they will have a chance to heal.
  That is why I would also like to acknowledge a powerful event that 
will take place in my home State of Nevada on April 28--the Take Back 
the Night March.
  Take Back the Night started in the late 1970s as a way to recognize 
and protest the concerns women had about walking outside at night due 
to threats of assault, rape, and murder. Since then, the event has 
spread to almost every corner of the United States and around the globe
  Hundreds, if not thousands, of Take Back the Night marches and 
rallies are held each year--often in late April--to coincide with 
National Crime Victims' Week. We have had events in Nevada before, 
especially on our university campuses, but this year is the first 
community-wide march in Las Vegas.
  I am pleased to see this event expanding into the entire Las Vegas 
community. Take Back the Night marches are positive events that bring 
together communities and empower victims of domestic violence and 
sexual assault. The women and men who have survived these crimes can 
see they are surrounded by strong and supportive friends, neighbors, 
family members, and advocates. As organized by the Rape Crisis Center, 
this Take Back the Night includes activities for children and families, 
music, food, an open microphone, and a peace rally.
  I have been a longtime supporter of legislation to combat violence 
against women, including the landmark Violence Against Women Act, VAWA. 
I voted for VAWA in 1994 and its reauthorization in 2000 and 2005. Our 
society can never be strong unless all its members feel safe in their 
own homes and on their own streets. We must do more to stop domestic 
violence and sexual assault.
  I appreciate the time and effort of every Nevadan who is taking part 
in this year's Take Back the Night March. I would especially like to 
thank the Rape Crisis Center and its dedicated staff for organizing 
this wonderful event. I look forward to working with them in the future 
to make our streets safer.

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