[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, before the Senate adjourns this 
afternoon, I want to remind my colleagues that National Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month begins on Saturday.
  Throughout the month of October, we are called to increase public 
awareness and understanding of domestic violence. As noted by the 
National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence thrives 
when we remain silent. That is why I recently introduced a resolution 
to commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  As stated in our resolution, Congress should continue to raise 
awareness of domestic violence in the United States. We also should 
pledge our continued support for programs designed to assist survivors, 
hold perpetrators accountable, and bring an end to domestic violence.
  I thank my colleagues, Senators Leahy, Ayotte, and Klobuchar, for 
joining as original cosponsors of the resolution. It passed the Senate 
unanimously on September 15. Through the enactment of other key 
measures--such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence 
Prevention Act, and the Victims of Crime Act--Congress has made support 
to survivors a national priority for over three decades. Through the 
enactment of laws criminalizing domestic violence at the State and 
local level, we also have sent a strong signal to abusers that domestic 
violence is not a private matter, but a public issue.
  We have come a long way, but our work is far from complete. Even now, 
domestic violence affects more than 12 million people each year in the 
United States, including women, men, and children of every age and 
socioeconomic status. Research also suggests that young women between 
the ages of 18 and 34 are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence. 
The negative effects of this crime go far beyond the confines of 
individual households. It impacts our communities when the victims of 
domestic violence are forced to choose between continued abuse or 
financial insecurity and even homelessness. It impacts our economy when 
the victims of this crime miss work and school.
  Thankfully, there are many individuals and organizations in Iowa and 
elsewhere around the country that work around the clock to meet the 
needs of victims. They include the crisis hotline personnel who provide 
peer-to-peer support or counseling to victims across the Nation. They 
include the staff and volunteers at shelters, who provide safe havens 
for victims fleeing abuse in communities. They include the advocates 
who champion prevention initiatives and resources for victims at the 
State and Federal levels. Last, but certainly not least, they include 
the first responders who compassionately respond to victims of domestic 
violence in their most vulnerable moments. These men and women put 
their lives at risk when responding to domestic abuse calls, which can 
be among the most volatile they will experience. We thank them for 
their never-ending service.
  Mr. President, once again, I thank my colleagues for passing this 
resolution unanimously. It is important that we continue to support the 
goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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