[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 190 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1159-E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 2021

  Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month and to share our collective recommitment to end 
domestic violence.
  Each October, we remember all those lost to and scarred by domestic 
violence, a tragic continuing scourge that cuts across all boundaries. 
Long after we have said goodbyes, long after physical wounds have 
healed, the psychological and social consequences continue and magnify. 
Domestic violence truly touches each and all of us.
  Tragically, COVID-19 has magnified this challenge. In my home state 
of Hawaii, the Domestic Violence Action Center saw hotline calls 
increase by 188 percent from February 2020 to 2021. Survivors are 
further cut off from activities that allow them to escape an abusive 
environment, such as work or school, and domestic violence 
organizations face challenges in reaching survivors or providing 
services.

[[Page E1160]]

  I am incredibly grateful for the service of the domestic violence 
organizations in my Hawaii, such as the Hawaii State Coalition Against 
Domestic Violence and the some twenty other domestic violence 
organizations that provide services to survivors and their families, 
along with each and all of their dedicated workers and volunteers. I am 
also grateful for our local first responders and law enforcement, who 
have taken actions to better equip themselves to recognize and respond 
to domestic violence.
  There is so much work to be done still in raising awareness and 
educating our communities about domestic violence. But for now, for 
anyone experiencing, witnessing or suspecting domestic violence, please 
call or text a local or national helpline. They are not alone.
  Mahala and aloha.

                          ____________________