[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 58 (Friday, April 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the importance of the 
National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the critical work they do to 
save lives and provide support for victims of domestic violence.
  For nearly 20 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has been 
operating as a
24/7 lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic violence 
nationwide.
  In 1994, the Violence Against Women Act authorized the creation of 
the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
  On August 17, 1995 the Texas Council on Family Violence received a $1 
million federal grant that established The Hotline.
  On February 21, 1996 the Hotline took its first call.
  The Hotline's approximately 130 dedicated advocates receive almost 
35,000 monthly contacts and have managed this high contact volume while 
ensuring quality services.
  Marketed to millions through public outreach, the Hotline has 
assembled a comprehensive database with thousands of referral 
resources, influenced policies and practices in victim services.
  The Hotline helps survivors see options for next steps and connects 
them to immediate sources of practical help.
  In 2007, the Hotline partnered with Liz Claiborne Inc. to launch the 
``loveisrespect'' which is a program aimed to mobilize parents, 
educators, peers, and victims to raise awareness about healthy dating 
behaviors and unhealthy and abuse patterns in relationships.
  In addition to the availability of 24/7 phone, chat, and SMS text 
helplines designed to meet the specific needs of young adults, 
``loveisrespect'' works to grow the next generation of anti-violence 
advocates.
  Nationwide nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the U.S. have 
experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner and 
report a related impact on their functioning.
  In 2014, in Texas alone 132 women were killed as a result of domestic 
violence, along with 185,817 reports of family violence incidents, 
while there were 185,373 hotline calls answered.
  As the ranking member on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, 
Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, I know the importance 
of protecting victims of crime and providing the vital support they 
need.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here as Mother, Wife, and Member of Congress to 
acknowledge the important work of those who staff the National Domestic 
Violence Hotline, they provide a comfort to those Americans who are in 
abusive relationships.

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