[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H11486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, throughout my tenure in Congress, 
I have worked to raise awareness about the devastating impact of 
domestic violence. I rise again this evening to recognize the month of 
October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year I 
visit the House floor to speak about this topic, I hope that there will 
be some signs of progress in the fight against domestic violence, but 
sadly, Americans still suffer from its effects.
  As I have reminded my colleagues, often we assume that acts of 
domestic violence don't occur in our own communities or to people we 
know or families that live down the street. Last year, I shared the 
story of a young woman from my hometown in Kansas named Jana Mackey, 
and today I would like to provide you with an update of her story.
  Jana was born July 20, 1982, in Harper, Kansas. She was an active 
member of 4-H, an athlete, and a talented musician. Upon graduation 
from high school, she completed a bachelor's degree, where she 
discovered her passion--advocating for others. Jana went on to pursue a 
law degree from the University of Kansas and fought for equality and 
social justice through her work with countless organizations, including 
volunteer work at Lawrence, Kansas' GaDuGi SafeCenter, a shelter that 
aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. But on July 3, 
2008, Jana's own life was ended by an act of domestic violence.
  Since her death, Jana's parents, Curt and Christie Brungardt, started 
the Eleven Hundred Torches campaign to inspire others to continue 
Jana's admirable work. The goal was to encourage 1,100 people to carry 
on Jana's torch through civic engagement and volunteerism. As of this 
month, I am happy to report the campaign logged its 1,100th volunteer, 
but Jana's work still remains unfinished.
  Jana's story proves that no State, community or family is immune from 
domestic violence. Domestic violence does not discriminate based upon 
gender, race, age, education or social status, and its plague wreaks 
havoc on our day-to-day lives within our communities and our 
overflowing criminal justice system.
  Every year, there are more than 4 million new incidents of domestic 
violence reported in the United States, with many more unaccounted for 
due to fear and intimidation. Of those 4 million reported cases, nearly 
100,000 Kansans fall victim to domestic violence each year.
  While we make gains in raising awareness about domestic violence and 
providing assistance to affected victims, there is still much work to 
be done. Whether we are part of a business providing a service, such as 
refurbishing cell phones for women in domestic emergencies, or 
volunteers donating time to local domestic violence centers, we all can 
do more to end domestic violence. I encourage my House colleagues to 
seek out a center, a shelter, or an organization in their district or 
State and to further engage on this issue.
  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 a safe place to live, work, and raise families. I 
encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing October as Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month.
  Madam Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance for 
domestic violence prevention programs.

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