[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1930-E1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH/WALK A MILE IN HER 
                            SHOES INITIATIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence happens all too frequently 
and affects thousands of Texas families in profound ways. As leaders we 
must take a more active role in providing targeted assistance to 
victims of domestic abuse to empower them to overcome abusive 
relationships.
  According to a survey by the Texas Council On Family Violence, TCFV, 
74 percent of Texans, including 77 percent of Hispanics, reported that 
either they, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form 
of domestic violence. Additionally, TCFV's survey indicates that nearly 
two out of every five Hispanic females, 39 percent, in Texas reported 
personal experience with severe abuse. These revealing statistics 
clearly show that domestic violence is not a rare occurrence, but a 
widespread, social ill that must be addressed.
  Since the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987, great 
strides have been made, resulting in a steady decrease in domestic 
violence in the last few decades, but much work remains to be done. I 
have personally remained engaged on this topic and have supported the 
YWCA El Paso del Norte Region which is dedicated to eliminating racism, 
empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for 
all.
  In fact, I am proud to note that I am a strong supporter of YWCA's 
``Walk a Mile in Her Shoes'' initiative, which asks men in our 
community to literally walk a mile in red high heels to promote 
awareness of sexual violence issues and raise funds for local domestic 
violence shelters. This is an innovative way to express solidarity with 
domestic violence victims and those who come to their aid. During this 
month, let us consider the plight of the thousands of victims of 
domestic violence in our country, and show our support through actions 
of awareness and advocacy.

[[Page E1931]]

  Mr. Speaker, I commend the organizations across the country that have 
continued to raise awareness on behalf of domestic violence victims, 
and I ask for a moment of silence to pay our respects to those victims 
who are not with us today, as well as pay tribute to the survivors.