[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, the late Norm Maleng, a courageous man and 
King County's former prosecuting attorney, once described domestic 
violence as ``. . . [A] crime against the human spirit.'' Mr. Speaker, 
Norm was right. Domestic violence is a terrible scourge that 
irreparably damages individual lives, families, and communities. Its 
effects are permanent. It can't be taken back or apologized away.
  We like to set up lines of demarcation, Mr. Speaker, and separate 
each other into distinct groups: women and men, black and white, young 
and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, and so on. Domestic violence 
ignores these distinctions in its assault on the human spirit.
  The startling statistics send a clear message: domestic violence is a 
powerful force that recognizes no boundary. Every year, fifteen-and-a-
half million children are exposed to domestic violence in their homes 
and 2,000 children will die because of it. One in four women and one in 
nine men will be victimized by domestic violence in their lifetime. In 
my home state, 755 lives were lost to domestic violence between 1997 
and 2010. The majority of homeless women and children in the United 
States are in that position because of domestic violence. If, somehow, 
those statistics don't frighten and sadden you, think about it in 
another way: Every year, the United States spends $5.8 billion dollars 
in health care, lost productivity, and lifetime earnings because of 
domestic violence.
  I urge my colleagues to support organizations committed to stamping 
out domestic violence in their hometowns and across their state and 
nation. Organizations like the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, 
EDVP, in the 8th District of Washington. In 2010, EDVP answered 10,069 
crisis calls from victims of domestic violence and provided services to 
4,700 victims. EDVP not only provides a 24-hour help line for victims, 
but they also provide shelter and safe places for victims to stay after 
they've made the difficult choice to leave their home behind. 
Unfortunately, for every person receiving shelter at EDVP, they are 
forced to turn away 18. They simply lack the resources needed to meet 
the full need of the community.
  Mr. Speaker, together, as a community and as a nation, we can help 
prevent domestic violence and better serve those who've been 
victimized. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout 
October, I urge every American to take the time to tell their spouse, 
mother, father, child, brother, sister, or friend how important they 
are to their life. Hug every single one. Find out how best to extend a 
helping hand to victims and find the ``EDVP'' in your area.

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