[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER DURING 
                     SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Women's 
Resource Center at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for 
highlighting Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  It is reported that worldwide, one out of every three women will be 
physically abused during her lifetime. In the United States, nearly two 
million women are assaulted each year, and more than half of all women 
will be physically assaulted during their lifetime. Last year in Texas, 
there were over 15,000 pending cases involving sexual assault or 
indecency with a child. In El Paso alone, there were over 850 pending 
cases reported.
  These numbers indicate the severity of a widespread problem that can 
have devastating social and health-related consequences. To highlight 
the problem of violence against women and to support the survivors of 
sexual violence, the Women's Resource Center at UTEP, in collaboration 
with the Take Back the Night Foundation, will be one of ten partners 
throughout the nation that will participate in the second annual 10 
Points of Light to Take Back the Night initiative on April 28th. This 
national initiative has assembled community organizers, campus 
advocates, and student leaders to illuminate the darkness of abuse, 
domestic violence, and sexual assault.
  Take Back the Night is a powerful movement that started in the 1970s 
to combat sexual violence and abuse on campuses and in communities 
around the world. The UTEP Women's Resource Center provides supportive 
services for students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the 
university.
  Today, I am proud to recognize the Women's Resource Center at UTEP, 
the Take Back the Night Foundation, and everyone who is helping with 
this important initiative. As a husband, father, and grandfather, I am 
proud to lend my voice to this effort. I encourage all Americans to 
raise awareness of sexual assault in our nation and help empower 
individuals to ``end the silence and stop the violence.''

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