[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 15th 
anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. This law, which was 
originally signed in 1994, is one of the most significant achievements 
in our history for advancing the equality and empowerment of women.
  Nearly a quarter of women in the United States are victims of 
domestic violence every year. 1 in 6 women will be a victim of sexual 
assault in her lifetime. And that number is 4 times higher for women in 
college.
  Domestic violence not only harms the victim, it has a cumulative 
effect on communities. Children who grow up in households where 
domestic violence occurs are 60-75 percent more likely to experience 
child abuse. These children tend to suffer from a variety of 
psychological problems during their lifetime.
  Given these staggering facts, it is our responsibility to make sure 
that women and children have peace of mind that there is someone on 
their side if they are faced with such harm. The Violence Against Women 
Act has given communities the kinds of resources they need to bring 
this peace of mind closer to a reality.
  This Act not only increased the criminal penalty for acts of domestic 
violence, but strengthened the ability of our communities to respond 
and even prevent these incidents in the first place. VAWA funds legal 
assistance for victims of domestic violence, strengthens domestic 
violence shelters, and helps to enforce restraining orders.
  The law also established an national hotline called by over 1.5 
million abused women seeking help. As a result, domestic violence is 
down 50 percent and rape is down 60 percent nationwide.
  But we still have a long way to go. 60 percent of sexual assaults are 
still not reported to the police. Although this number has declined 
significantly since 1993, we must continue these efforts to end the 
threat of violence against women and children.
  In our society, no woman should ever feel so scared for their lives 
and their safety that they are unable to fulfill their potential. We 
must create a culture in which women and girls can thrive, and this Act 
has taken us one step closer to that goal.
  I want to thank the Congresswoman from New York for this important 
resolution.