[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 145 (Thursday, September 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Yvette Cade is an inspiring survivor of 
domestic violence. The justice system failed her. In 2005, Yvette 
sought protection from her estranged husband. Already a victim of 
domestic violence, Yvette had a restraining order against her estranged 
husband, but it was set to expire. Yvette turned to the courts for 
help. She personally asked District Judge Richard Palumbo to extend the 
restraining order. Judge Palumbo said no; he refused to extend the 
order. Judge Palumbo went so far as to make fun of Yvette for seeking a 
protective order. When Yvette, who represented herself without a 
lawyer, told Palumbo that she wanted ``an immediate, absolute 
divorce,'' Judge Palumbo replied, ``I'd like to be six-foot-five, but 
that's not what we do here.'' Judge Palumbo likened other domestic 
violence victims to buses that come along every 10 minutes. Judge 
Palumbo then dismissed Yvette's assault case against her estranged 
husband. Two weeks later, Yvette's fears of further abuse were realized 
when her estranged husband walked into her workplace, doused her with 
gasoline, struck a match, and set her on fire.
  Yvette Cade survived the third-degree burns across sixty-percent of 
her body. She underwent several surgeries and still has more surgeries 
in her future. As a victim, survivor, and advocate, Yvette Cade is an 
inspiring voice for all domestic violence victims. She is a reminder of 
the staggering statistics on domestic violence victims in America and 
the injustices that victims face on an all too-often basis.
  Yvette Cade triumphed over tragedy. To recognize her remarkable 
spirit and advocacy work on behalf of other victims, the Victims' 
Rights Caucus awarded Yvette the Eva Murillo ``Unsung Hero'' Award in 
April.
  Domestic violence victims need a voice so that they too can become 
survivors. That is why I sponsored H. Res. 590 to declare October as 
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is appropriate that this 
House pass this legislation unanimously.
  With more awareness of domestic violence, more action can be taken. 
We owe it to good people like Yvette Cade. And that's just the way it 
is.

                          ____________________