[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24078-24079]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          IN RECOGNITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 1999

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of October as 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is 
a national campaign created to focus public awareness on the problem of 
domestic violence.
  As we are all too aware, domestic violence is the leading cause of 
injury to women between the ages 15 and 44 in the United

[[Page 24079]]

States. More women are injured as a result of domestic violence than 
are injured in car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Women of 
all cultures, races, occupations, income levels, and ages are battered 
by husbands, boyfriends, and partners. Batterers are not restricted to 
low-income or unemployed men. Approximately one-third of the men who 
undergo counseling for battering are professional men who are well-
respected in their jobs and communities. These include doctors, 
psychologists, ministers, and business executives. Domestic violence 
also affects children. Half who live in violent homes experience some 
form of physical abuse. Unfortunately, one-third of boys who grow up in 
violent homes become batterers themselves, simply perpetuating the 
cycle.
  I am proud that in my district, victims of domestic violence have 
been able to turn to Battered Women's Alternative. For the past 21 
years, this wonderful organization has provided a safe haven for those 
women who have taken the critical first step and escaped from their 
homes. Battered Women's Alternative serves more than 15,500 women 
annually through its 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, safe 
homes, traditional housing, legal advocacy, counseling, employment 
assistance and placement programs. Battered Women's Alternative also 
conducts educational programs in the hopes of preventing future 
instances of domestic violence, many of which are targeted toward 
abusive men as well as younger children.
  In recognition of the important work done by Battered Women's 
Alternatives every month of the year, I urge you all to actively 
participate in the many scheduled activities and programs planned all 
over the country that work toward the elimination of personal and 
institutional violence against women. Only a coordinated community 
effort can put a stop to this heinous crime and I urge my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing this important month.

                          ____________________