[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2007

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, domestic violence is a widespread 
tragedy that indiscriminately affects families of all races and 
classes. It is a serious crime that has no social barriers.
  Thanks to the leadership of the women in Congress, this body has made 
great strides in addressing many issues surrounding domestic violence.
  For example, The Violence Against Women Act of 1994, helped dispel 
the myth that living with domestic violence was a lifestyle choice of 
the victim. This landmark legislation directly impacted federal and 
state laws which today recognize domestic violence as a crime for which 
the abuser, not the victim, is responsible.
  Unfortunately, much more still needs to be done to help victims 
become survivors.
  For example, studies estimate that in the United States close to one-
third of women will be physically or sexually abused by a husband or 
boyfriend in their lifetime.
  Credible research has also found that the inability to financially 
support themselves and their children is a critical factor contributing 
to one staying in an abusive relationship.
  Without the ability to be self-sufficient, many survivors are left 
with the terrifying choice of staying with their abuser or being unable 
to provide for themselves and their children.
  While many states, including my home state of California, have taken 
action to help survivors retain their financial independence, the job 
protections offered by state laws vary dramatically.
  For example, in 21 states when a survivor is forced to quit a job due 
to the abuse, she or he is not eligible for unemployment benefits.
  And only nine states protect a survivor's job if they are attacked by 
a partner or spouse and need time off to find a safe place to live.
  These discrepancies in state laws often determine whether a person 
will continue to be a victim of abuse or a survivor.
  On October 31, I, together with Representative Poe from Texas, 
introduced three bills to help victims of domestic violence become 
survivors regardless of where in the country they live.
  Our bills address three key economic factors that prevent many 
survivors from leaving an abusive relationship by providing victims of 
abuse with the employment protections and the increased economic 
stability they need to leave an abuser.
  The three bills are: The Job Protection for Survivors Act, the 
Insurance Non-Discrimination for Survivors Act, and the Unemployment 
Insurance for Survivors Act.
  The Job Protection for Survivors Act will allow survivors of domestic 
violence, without the fear of losing their jobs, to take limited leave 
from work to make necessary court appearances, and get help with safety 
planning. Employees will also have job protection if they ask for 
reasonable safety modifications in the workplace.
  The Insurance Non-Discrimination Act for Survivors will prohibit 
employers or insurance providers from basing hiring or coverage 
decisions on an individual's history of abuse. This will help address 
the fear many have of seeking help because they know companies may use 
documents such as police records to drop or reject their insurance 
coverage.
  The third bill, the Unemployment Insurance for Survivors Act, 
guarantees that survivors are eligible for unemployment benefits. 
Current Federal law remains inadequate in ensuring survivors have the 
resources they need while seeking new employment and a safe place to 
live.
  Madam Speaker, for many this package of bills can literally make the 
difference between life and death.
  I want to thank the many dedicated advocates who labor every day to 
end domestic violence for their support of these bills. I have worked 
closely with them for many years, and their input and expertise has 
been invaluable in crafting these measures.
  I also thank Representative Poe for his co-sponsorship and I look 
forward to working with him to pass these bills.
  Madam Speaker, violence in America's families has a devastating 
effect not only on the target of the abuse but on the family unit. It 
is especially damaging to the children who suffer emotionally or are 
themselves the target of physical abuse.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and Congressman Poe and co-sponsor 
the Job Protection for Survivors Act, the Insurance Non-Discrimination 
for Survivors Act, and the Unemployment Insurance for Survivors Act to 
empower survivors against the violence in their lives.

                          ____________________