[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the observance 
of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2009.
  I urge all Americans during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to 
understand the different faces of domestic violence, as it is not 
defined only by battery against women and children, but also includes 
domestic sexual assault, teen dating violence, and non-physical 
emotional abuse, such as name calling and intimidation.
  Domestic violence, regardless of type, disrupts the lives of men and 
women of all ages. Young children and adolescents are especially at 
risk for complications as exposure to violence can lead to behavioral 
and emotional problems.
  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which I 
proudly co-sponsored, provides $225 million to the U.S. Department of 
Justice Office on Violence Against Women, targeted at developing and 
supporting the capacity of state, local, tribal, and non-profit 
entities involved in responding to violence against women and also in 
helping them find alternative housing. I am also pleased that the 
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)--its passage in 1994 strongly by then 
Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr.--and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) also 
received Recovery Act funding to boost the federal VAWA and VOCA funds 
that are already allocated to state and local governments each year.
  Furthermore, in my home state of New York, Governor David Paterson 
signed a bill into law last month that takes a stronger response 
against domestic violence offenders and expands protection orders for 
victims. With this advancement in New York's state law, New York is 
leading the nation in strengthening our judicial system to stamp out 
domestic violence and abuse.
  Though we may be taking great strides at the federal and state levels 
in addressing domestic violence, we cannot ignore that the problem 
originates in the home. If you feel you are or someone you know is a 
victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence 
Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. Working together, we can all play a vital 
role in creating awareness about domestic violence and working toward 
ending this intolerable behavior.

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