[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the successful 
reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, it is important that 
we continue to bring awareness to the serious issue of domestic 
violence. It is a problem that affects one in every four women, and it 
is one that cannot be resolved by legislation alone.
  That is why I commend the efforts of Mayor Mike Rawlings, City of 
Dallas, for his own efforts at the local level to increase awareness 
and rally our fellow Texans against domestic violence. This weekend, 
Mayor Rawlings will lead a ``Men Against Abuse'' rally in front of 
Dallas City Hall in a show of unified support for victims of domestic 
violence. During this rally, Mayor Rawlings hopes to publicly challenge 
the moral character of any individual who believes it is acceptable to 
commit domestic abuse.
  Raising awareness has been a vital component of a comprehensive 
strategy to address this issue, and Mayor Rawlings' efforts are another 
step in the right direction. Domestic violence is one of the most 
underreported crimes, and speaking out will help victims to not only 
identify their circumstances, but also empower these individuals to 
stand up against their abusers and seek outside help.
  Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is a problem that transcends race, 
age, and socioeconomic status, making the issue that much more 
important as we tear down boundaries across communities to stand up 
against domestic violence. While the Violence Against Women Act has 
historically provided effective tools to combat domestic violence for 
almost two decades, increased awareness is absolutely critical if we 
are to bring these lifesaving measures into the homes of victims of 
violence who would otherwise remain silent in the face of cruelty.

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