[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS 
                                 MONTH

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                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong 
support for H. Res. 590, a resolution supporting the goal and ideals of 
National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
  Within the United States, we know that one out of every four American 
women will experience violence by an intimate partner sometime during 
her lifetime.
  Great strides have been made in breaking the vicious cycle of 
domestic violence in this country. With the impact of legislation such 
as the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, the rate of domestic violence 
against females over the age of 12 in the U.S. declined between 1993 
and 2001.
  Despite this progress, however, we must continue to raise awareness 
and actively work to combat this epidemic. We must speak out on behalf 
of victims who, for too long, were forced to suffer in silence.
  Domestic violence can, and often does, turn deadly. A study released 
by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2005 reported that roughly 22 
percent of murders were committed against family members. This study 
also shows that women are much more likely than men to be victims of 
domestic violence. In fact, over three-quarters of domestic violence 
victims are female, while over three-quarters of domestic violence 
perpetrators are male. It was also found that family members were 
responsible for an astounding 43 percent of murders of females.
  According to a survey conducted in 2007 by the Family Violence 
Prevention Fund, 56 percent of men have had reason to believe that a 
member of their immediate or extended family, a close friend, or an 
acquaintance has been in a domestic violence or sexual assault 
situation. However, this survey also shows that 57 percent of men 
believe that they personally can make at least some difference in 
preventing domestic violence and sexual assault.
  I believe that we can all make a difference in the battle against 
domestic violence. I do not only believe that we can make a difference, 
but that we must make a difference. I would like to thank my colleague, 
fellow Texas Congressman Ted Poe for introducing this important 
resolution.
  I would also like to recognize the numerous organizations and 
individuals who work tirelessly to eradicate domestic violence and its 
devastating impact on individuals, families, and our communities.




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