[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
                                SAFE ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, last week I re-introduced the 
Security and Financial Empowerment Act, better known as the SAFE Act, 
to help stop a cycle of violence that exists in many American families 
today.
  Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are 
serious, widespread social problems which impact all Americans 
regardless of race, ethnicity or social status. The reality of this 
violence is highlighted by the fact that 1 in 4 American women report 
being physically or sexually abused at some point in their life.
  These serious crimes, primarily against women, have both physical and 
psychological consequences. Yet credible research has found that many 
women stay in abusive relationships because they cannot support 
themselves. As a result, many victims are faced with the terrifying 
decision of living with the abuse or leaving without financial 
security.
  For victims of domestic violence, this choice is even more daunting 
during tough economic times like now, for research tells us that as the 
economy worsens the incidence of violence increases.
  The SAFE Act will provide the safety net many need to create a safe 
and stable environment for themselves and their children by eliminating 
obstacles that may prevent them from gaining meaningful employment or 
seeking help.
  My bill makes it possible to take limited leave from work for safety 
planning and necessary court appearances without the threat of losing a 
job. The SAFE Act also provides job protection when reasonable 
workplace safety modifications are requested.
  To protect victims of violence who seek help against their abuser, 
the SAFE Act prohibits employers or insurance providers from basing 
insurance coverage or hiring decisions on an individual's history of 
abuse.
  The SAFE Act also makes a survivor of domestic and dating violence, 
sexual assault and stalking, eligible for unemployment insurance if it 
is necessary to leave a job to escape the abuse.
  Madam Speaker, the SAFE Act is needed to provide these victims with 
equal protection throughout our country. While several States have laws 
similar to the SAFE Act, the reality is that today a person's financial 
ability to leave an abusive environment depends primarily on where they 
live.
  I thank the many dedicated advocates who daily work to empower women 
against the horrific crimes of dating and domestic violence, sexual 
assault and stalking for their invaluable input, expertise and support 
of the SAFE Act.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me and Representative Ted Poe in 
cosponsoring and helping to pass the SAFE Act which, for many of these 
victims, can make the difference between life and death.

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