[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 157 (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS 
                                 MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 26, 2009

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 817, 
which supports the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness 
Month and expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that 
Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence issues and support 
programs designed to end domestic violence.
  Twenty-two years ago, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was 
observed and since 1989 legislation designating October as National 
Violence Awareness Month has passed every year. Domestic violence 
affects people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. 
Women are most disproportionately affected and nearly one in four women 
will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Every single day 
in the United States, more than three women are murdered by their 
significant other. Young women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest 
rates of intimate partner violence. Every year, over 15 million 
children are exposed to domestic violence and these children are more 
likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, attempt suicide, and become involved 
in teenage prostitution. These statistics are sobering.
  In a struggling economy, domestic violence programs are needed more 
than ever. Earlier this year marked the 15th anniversary of the passage 
of the Federal Violence Against Women Act; however, more work must be 
done to protect victims of domestic violence. In my home State of 
California, cuts in state financing have led to elimination of funding 
for shelter services. This has translated to cuts in services and fewer 
victims being served. Ultimately, this sends a message that victims of 
domestic abuse are not a priority to our State.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals 
and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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