[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 155 (Monday, October 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6592-S6593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, in large and small communities across our 
country, way too many Americans find themselves placed in danger by the 
very people who are supposed to love and protect them--their families. 
Each year, more than 2 million women are victims of domestic violence 
across our

[[Page S6593]]

country. In Kansas, an estimated 1 in 10 adult women will suffer from 
domestic abuse this year.
  I am here this evening to try to give a voice to the hopeless--to 
those who have often been too afraid to speak for themselves. Domestic 
violence is not just a problem for women; children and men are all too 
often its victims as well. Throughout October, during Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month, we are especially mindful of these victims and the 
urgent need to put an end to the cycle of violence.
  I imagine many Americans may assume that domestic violence does not 
occur in their neighborhoods or among their friends, with those with 
whom they are acquainted. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Domestic 
violence does not discriminate by race, gender, age group, education, 
or social status. Three years ago, citizens in my hometown of Hays, KS, 
learned of the tragic death of a young woman from domestic violence.
  Today, I wish to share with you the story of Jana Lynne Mackey. I 
shared Jana's story with my colleagues when I served in the House of 
Representatives, but it bears repeating because it is a solemn reminder 
of the urgent need to put an end to this so-called silent crime that 
plagues hundreds of thousands of homes across our country.
  Jana was born in 1982 in Harper, KS, and spent her childhood in Hays. 
She was an active member of 4-H, an athlete, and a talented musician. 
Upon graduation from high school, Jana completed a bachelor's degree, 
where she discovered her passion--advocating on the behalf of others.
  She 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 in Lawrence, KS, at the GaDuGi 
SafeCenter, a shelter that aids victims of sexual assault and domestic 
violence. But 3 years ago, on July 3, 2008, at the young age of 25, 
Jana's own life was taken by domestic violence.
  More than 1,100 people gathered at Jana's memorial service to 
celebrate her life. In her death, Jana's parents, Curt and Christie 
Brungardt, started the Eleven Hundred Torches Campaign to encourage 
1,100 people to carry on Jana's torch. Since its creation, the campaign 
has attracted more than 1,100 volunteers who now make a difference in 
lives across the country through civic engagement and voluntarism. Yet 
there is so much more that must be done.
  Throughout our country, an estimated one in four women still suffers 
abuse during their lifetime. Domestic violence brings fear and 
hopelessness and depression into the lives of every victim. But we must 
not only work to end this silent crime; also, we must care for those 
who are the victims. By volunteering at a local shelter, speaking out 
when you become aware of domestic violence or making a donation to a 
local organization, every citizen can find a way to get involved and 
make a difference.
  This October, and throughout the year, let us be mindful of the 
victims of domestic violence and do our part to help break the cycle 
and bring hope to those who suffer. Let each of us be a torch to see 
that we bring about an end to domestic or family violence.
  The tragedy of Jana's death is a rallying cry, calling each of us to 
make a difference in the lives of others.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________