[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 
                                HOTLINE

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD DOGGETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 23, 2026

  Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a critical 
national resource that for 30 years has served as a lifeline for 
victims and survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse 
across our country: the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
  Based in Austin, Texas, in my Congressional district, the National 
Domestic Violence Hotline is the only national hotline that operates 
24/7, responding to all those in the U.S., its territories and military 
bases across the globe via phone, chat and text. These services are 
free and confidential.
  Authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and funded 
through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the National 
Domestic Violence Hotline was created to ensure that anyone 
experiencing relationship abuse would have a safe, confidential place 
to turn for help. On February 21, 1996, the National Domestic Violence 
Hotline answered its very first call--marking the beginning of a 
national commitment to listening to survivors, offering support without 
judgment, and helping people see pathways to safety and healing.
  Since that first call, The Hotline has served more than 7.8 million 
people through phone, chat and text--each contact representing courage, 
resilience and hope. Its highly trained advocates provide compassionate 
support, personalized safety planning, and connections to local 
resources, responding to thousands of contacts each day as the demand 
for services continues to grow. Thirty years later, The Hotline 
continues to experience incredibly high demand for its services. Every 
day, The Hotline receives nearly 3,000 calls from those needing crisis 
support and a path to safety--demand for services has more than doubled 
during the past decade.
  As the needs of survivors have evolved, The Hotline has implemented 
responsible, survivor-centered technology innovations--including 
expanded chat and text services and improved resource navigation to 
increase access, reduce barriers, and better meet demand nationwide.
  This 30-year milestone is not a celebration of the continued 
prevalence of domestic violence. The ongoing need for a national 
hotline is a sobering reminder that relationship abuse affects millions 
of people across every community, demographic, and geography. 
Survivors, particularly those from marginalized communities, often face 
compounded barriers to safety and support, and too many endure abuse in 
silence.
  But the courage of survivors is something worthy of recognition. 
Every day, individuals reach out to The Hotline, often for the first 
time, taking a brave step toward safety, healing, and freedom. The 
Hotline bears witness to that courage by offering hope, validation and 
practical support in moments of crisis.
  In addition to its core hotline services, The Hotline operates the 
National Dating Abuse Helpline, which provides 24/7/365 chat, text and 
phone support to help teens and young adults experiencing abuse or 
unhealthy dating situations. The Hotline also runs love is respect, a 
program dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering young people 
facing abusive or unhealthy relationships.
  I also wish to recognize the dedicated advocates who staff the 
National Domestic Violence Hotline and its programs. Their work 
requires extraordinary compassion, resilience, and skill, as they 
respond to heart-wrenching calls and messages with care and 
professionalism. Their commitment saves lives and strengthens families 
and communities across our Nation.
  For 30 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has stood as a 
beacon of hope--answering the call when it matters most. As we mark 
this 30th anniversary, we honor the survivors who inspire this work, 
the advocates who make it possible, and the enduring mission to ensure 
that everyone can live a life free from violence.

                          ____________________