[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S12858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Domestic 
Violence Month. During the month of October, I urge my fellow 
colleagues and Americans to join me in committing to end violence in 
our homes. It is my hope that we can stand together this month and show 
abusers that we will not tolerate their actions.
  We must never forget that domestic violence is a wide spread ailment 
with devastating implications. Domestic violence affects not only the 
victims of abuse, but their families and communities as well. The 
consequences of domestic abuse do not end with the violence. Victims 
lucky enough to escape their abusers are sometimes left with no home, 
no money, and no means to support themselves. And most unfortunately, 
children are often caught in middle of this tragedy. With as many as 
three million women experiencing abuse a year, it is clear we must do 
more to prevent these crimes and help those who are victims.
  That is why I would like to recognize several organizations that have 
done extraordinary work to protect the victims of domestic violence in 
Nevada. For almost 20 years, the Shade Tree has provided shelter to 
abused women, and their families. Now, Shade Tree has taken on another 
aspect of domestic violence. On October 9, 2007, Shade Tree opened 
Noah's Animal House, a shelter for the animals of battered women. Shade 
Tree realized that animal abuse occurs in 85 percent of homes from 
which battered women arrive. Of those, 20 percent refuse to leave their 
abusers without their pets. Shade Tree's commitment to ending domestic 
violence knows no boundaries, and I know its impact on countless lives 
will continue.
  The Safe Nest is another important organization that has made 
tremendous strides in ending domestic violence in Nevada. Safe Nest 
recognizes the importance of addressing all sides of domestic violence 
and helps with a range of services from court advocacy to crisis 
intervention. Safe Nest also serves Nevada by sheltering victims and 
educating the public. On October 19, Safe Nest will hold its annual 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month luncheon. On this day, I hope that 
Nevada and our Nation will recognize Safe Nest's years of success and 
hard work.
  Finally, I would like to recognize the S.A.F.E--Stop Abuse in the 
Family Environment--House for their work. S.A.F.E. House is a community 
based organization that provides counseling, advocacy, and intervention 
for victims of domestic abuse. In addition, S.A.F.E. House collaborates 
with organizations across Nevada to search for ways to end domestic 
violence. For example, on October 25, S.A.F.E. House and the state 
chapter of National Organization for Women will team up to bring 
awareness to domestic violence. I am pleased to commend S.A.F.E. House 
for motivating hundreds of Nevadans to take action in their community.
  It is also important to recognize thousands of other organizations in 
Nevada and our Nation that have committed time, labor, and financial 
resources to help victims of domestic abuse. Please join me in 
commending the dedicated efforts of those individuals who work each day 
to stop aggression in our homes. With their example in mind, I hope 
that Congress can reflect and take action during this important month. 
I urge all Americans to participate in Domestic Violence Month 
activities and pledge to make this issue their own.

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