[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
738, a resolution honoring the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against 
Women Act (VAWA). I am an original cosponsor of this resolution to 
support the goals and ideals of VAWA. Today we recognize the progress 
that has been made in reducing domestic violence in our country but 
also the significant work that remains.
  In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) began creating safe 
havens for families affected by domestic violence. This historic 
legislation has succeeded in making America's women more safe and 
secure and it has strengthened America's response to the crimes of 
domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Victims of domestic 
violence are now more able to access services and counseling during 
their darkest hours and prosecutors have the tools to pursue 
perpetrators. VAWA is working to bring communities together by 
coordinating law enforcement officers, victim advocates and 
prosecutors.
  No one should have to live in fear or suffer in silence from domestic 
violence. We as society must provide sufficient resources to federal, 
state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors who specialize 
in crimes targeted against women. We must also support organizations 
that offer services to women and families who have experienced 
violence.
  Domestic violence hurts families and entire communities. The 
communities of Minnesota's Fourth District learned this all too well on 
September 7, 2009, when North St. Paul police officer Richard 
Crittenden and Maplewood police officer Julie Olson answered a domestic 
violence call--one of the most dangerous an officer can receive. 
Officer Richard Crittenden was killed and Officer Olson was injured in 
the line of duty. Officer Crittenden made the ultimate saceifice--his 
life--to protect a woman from a man who had repeatedly abused her.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to acknowledge all those who 
work to reduce domestic violence in communities across our country. 
Much has been accomplished in the last fifteen years, but the number of 
incidents of violence against women still remains too high. On this 
anniversary, I urge my colleagues to recommit themselves to ending 
domestic violence.

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