[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 4180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               ENDING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

  (Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this week marks Stop 
Violence Against Women Week. I rise to show my support for victims of 
domestic violence. I grew up in a large family. I am the sixth of seven 
children, and my family has always supported me. Nothing can replace 
the strength you draw from those that you love and trust. Tragically, 
it is even more devastating if family members or significant others 
violate this trust and become abusive.
  Domestic violence is an enormous problem in this country, one that 
deserves immediate attention. According to the American College of 
Emergency Physicians, domestic violence is the largest cause of injury 
to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than 
car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.
  Each year, between 2 million and 4 million women are battered, and 
2,000 of those women will die from their injuries. Nearly one-third of 
American women will experience intimate partner violence in their 
lifetime.
  We can no longer afford to ignore this issue. This year is especially 
important because 2005 marks the tenth anniversary of the Violence 
Against Women Act. Later this year, VAWA will come up for 
reauthorization. I urge my colleagues to do their part to support VAWA 
and support the efforts of women's advocates and to end the cycle of 
violence.

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