[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my full support 
for H. Res. 1637, the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Act. 
This act recognizes the importance of efforts to raise awareness of 
this problem nationally, while educating health care workers about the 
signs of domestic abuse and its long-term effect.
  Domestic violence affects people of all races, religions, cultures, 
gender, age and economic standing. In New York City alone, it is 
estimated that over 25,000 women suffer some sort of domestic abuse 
annually. In New York State, over 20,000 women sought assistance from 
the authorities last year. Although much has been accomplished since 
the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, much remains 
to be done.
  This is not a problem that affects women alone; children, teenagers, 
men and the elderly can also be affected, either directly or 
indirectly. For example, research shows that children who grow up in 
violent households tend to do badly in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, 
engage in prostitution or become abusers themselves when they are 
older. This is why it is important for Congress to broaden and 
strengthen its efforts in educating the public about this issue.
  I commend Rep. Ted Poe of Texas for his legislation recognizing 
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the work that needs to 
be done, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I also commend 
the work of activists, organizations and law enforcement agencies in 
raising awareness of this issue.

                          ____________________