[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas.  Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During 
my tenure in Congress, significant progress has been made in calling 
attention to domestic violence and helping victims and families recover 
from these abuses. However, much work still remains to be done because 
senseless acts of violence are still taking place in our homes and 
communities. Tragically we were reminded of the need for greater 
efforts to combat domestic violence this past July when tragedy struck 
in my home State of Kansas. Today, I'd like to share with you the Jana 
Lynne Mackey story.
  On July 20, 1982, Jana Lynne Mackey was born in Harper, Kansas. Jana 
was raised primarily in Hays, Kansas, where she was an active member of 
4-H, an athlete, and a talented musician. But most of all she was a 
vibrant and caring young woman who fought for those whose voice could 
not be heard.
  Following high school graduation, Jana completed a bachelor's degree 
where she discovered her passion--advocating for others. She went on to 
pursue a law degree at the University of Kansas with the goal of using 
education to further the cause of others. Jana tirelessly fought for 
equality and social justice through her work with countless local and 
national organizations. She was also an active volunteer at the 
Lawrence GaDuGi Safe Center, a facility that aids victims of sexual 
assault and domestic violence. But on July 3, 2008, Jana's body was 
found in an ex-boyfriend's home--her own promising life prematurely 
ended by an act of domestic violence.
  All too often we think acts of domestic violence do not transpire in 
our communities or to people and families we know. But Jana's story is 
evidence that no State, community, or family is immune to its far-
reaching hands. Domestic violence is a problem that does not 
discriminate by race, gender, age group, education, or social status 
and its plague wreaks havoc on our increasingly-stressed healthcare 
network, our over-flowing criminal justice system, and our day-to-day 
life within our communities.
  Domestic violence continues to impact communities in Kansas and 
across America. Each year nearly 4 million new incidences of domestic 
violence are reported in the United States, with many more unaccounted 
for due to fear and intimidation. Of those 4 million reported cases, 
nearly 100,000 Kansas women fall victim to domestic violence each year. 
Each day in America over 53,000 victims receive care through domestic 
violence programs, the programs Jana Mackey volunteered and advocated 
for.
  Despite the harsh realities of domestic violence that loom, there is 
hope for a better tomorrow. It is my belief that with continued 
education, resources, and support, victims of domestic violence can 
overcome their condition. In the 69 counties I represent, it is that 
same belief that maintains and encourages the 9 domestic violence 
centers in my district. These agencies are vital to our communities as 
they raise awareness of domestic violence, advocate for victims, and 
provide victims with the support, resources, and care they desperately 
need.
  Jana made a greater impact in her 25 years than many individuals do 
in a lifetime. While Jana's story is tragic, her example is a lesson 
and an inspiration for us all to be more active in the fight against 
domestic violence. This is why her family started the 1100 Torches 
campaign.
  At Jana's funeral, 1,100 people were in attendance, which indicates 
the magnitude of her impact in the lives of others. In the aftermath of 
her death, her mother, Christie Brungardt, and stepfather, Curt, along 
with her family and friends, launched the 1100 Torches campaign to 
serve as Jana's call to action, that despite our personal politics, we 
can make a difference in the world and in turn make it a better place 
to live. It is the campaign's hope that through Jana's story, 1,100 
people will be inspired by her to serve others and make a difference in 
their communities. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to learn 
more about Jana's story and the impact of domestic violence by visiting 
the 1100 Torches campaign Web site at www.1100torches.org and by 
learning more about this issue in your local community.
  We are making progress in raising awareness and drawing attention to 
domestic violence, yet this is a problem that continues to impact our 
communities. We must not forget about these violent crimes that destroy 
homes and families, and devastate lives. This October, let us remember 
the victims of domestic violence and learn from their courage as we do 
our best to ensure that our communities are safe places to live, work, 
and raise our families.
  Madam Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance for 
domestic violence prevention programs.




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