[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 132 (Tuesday, October 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            IN SUPPORT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a month-long 
project dedicated to addressing the victimization of men, women, and 
children in our nation and raising awareness of the devastating impact 
of domestic violence. This month, we honor the survivors of domestic 
violence, whose struggles and successes continue to inspire us all as 
we rededicate ourselves to ending domestic violence in our communities.
  Mr. Speaker, domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of 
every background and circumstance and affects every sector of our 
society. It is defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship 
that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate 
partner. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or behavior used to 
coerce, threaten or humiliate another person.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the progress and achievements we have made in 
the recent past, there is still so much more to do. It is time to put 
an end to this devastating crime. Far too many families in this nation 
are affected by domestic violence. It is a growing epidemic affecting 
local, national, and international communities alike.
  In the United States, one in four women and one in thirteen men will 
be the victim of domestic violence at some point in his or her lifetime 
and over 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year. 
Furthermore, domestic violence can also act as a precursor to more 
serious crimes. In 80 percent of intimate party homicides, regardless 
of which partner was killed, domestic violence was present during the 
relationship prior to the killing.
  Mr. Speaker, victims of violence often suffer in silence, with 
limited options, not knowing where to turn for support and guidance. We 
need to break this silence. Local domestic violence agencies, shelters, 
victim services providing legal, emotional, and medical support are 
vital to helping victims and their families heal. To effectively 
respond to domestic violence, we must support efforts to help expand 
these services and to continue to foster awareness.
  This month, let us recommit ourselves to ending domestic violence in 
our communities. We have a responsibility to continue to broaden our 
efforts to end violence against men, women and children. But we cannot 
solve this crisis alone. We must work together to create support, 
expand resources and eliminate barriers for victims of domestic 
violence. Stopping domestic violence means saving lives.
  For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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