[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize October as 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. By bringing attention to this 
serious issue, I hope that we can make progress to break the cycle of 
violence.
  Not long ago, in communities across Nevada and our Nation, domestic 
violence was a problem that was kept silent. Fortunately, by raising 
awareness of this issue, we are making great progress in breaking that 
silence. Today, we can see notable progress in recognizing this problem 
as an epidemic that affects every community. Still, there is much work 
to do to heal the wounds and end the violence.
  Each year, more than 32 million Americans are affected by physical, 
sexual, or psychological harm. Sadly, much of this harm occurs at the 
hands of those they should be able to trust the most--current and 
former partners and spouses. Twenty-nine percent of women and 22 
percent of men will directly experience harm from domestic violence 
during their lifetime. Many experts think that these numbers are 
drastically underrepresentative as well because many victims do not 
report these crimes.
  That is why we must do more. We can address the problem by supporting 
shelters and organizations with our financial resources and our time. 
In Nevada, for instance, domestic violence centers report lengthy 
waiting lists--for space in the shelter, for treatment programs for 
batters, and for victim counseling. Many shelters lack sufficient 
provisions like personal care products, clothing, and children's and 
medical supplies.
  We must also dispel the myths surrounding domestic violence. It does 
not discriminate. Its perpetrators hide behind many different faces. 
Its victims answer to many different names. Domestic violence crosses 
all racial, economic, and societal barriers. It affects the strong as 
well as the weak.
  Of course, my home State of Nevada is not immune from the tragic 
effects of domestic violence. I would relate the story of Ana Outcalt, 
who was murdered at the hands of her boyfriend, even after she had 
obtained a restraining order against him. Ana's sister, Maria, tells 
this story whenever she gets the chance in the hope that she may be 
able to help others.
  I am proud to report that many other individuals and organizations in 
Nevada are working passionately this month to increase understanding of 
this devastating problem. On October 12, 2006, for example, Safe Nest 
will be holding an interfaith candlelight vigil in Las Vegas to 
celebrate survivors of domestic violence and remember its victims like 
Ana Outcalt. On October 21, 2006, the Family Development Foundation 
will be hosting its Community United for Healthy Families event, which 
is open to the public free of charge. On October 23, 2006, S.A.F.E. 
House in Henderson, NV, is holding its annual golf tournament with all 
proceeds benefiting the organization.
  I have been a longtime supporter of legislation aimed at eradicating 
violence from our Nation's homes, including the Violence Against Women 
Act. But I encourage Members of this body and Americans nationwide to 
do more. We should all view Domestic Violence Month as an opportunity 
to help prevent this problem.
  Today, I am pleased to recognize Domestic Violence Month and the 
efforts of many organizations across Nevada who work to stop the 
violence in our communities. Together, we can make a difference on this 
important issue and break the cycle of violence.

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