[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20261]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the month 
of October as national domestic violence awareness month. Though we 
have made great strides in bringing attention to the tragedy of 
domestic violence, more than 4 million Americans continue to find 
themselves victims of physical, psychological and sexual abuse. 
Domestic violence crosses every line of ethnicity, geography, and 
income. Abuse occurs in every single community in our country--every 
community--and it must be fought in every community.
  It wasn't very long ago that family violence was considered just 
that--a family matter. A battered woman was forced to suffer the cuts 
and bruises and the terror and tears in silence. In my parents' 
generation, many folks whispered and had suspicions about what was 
going on next door. Seeing bruised children or watching a wife cower 
when her husband spoke to her caused speculation on what was taking 
place in the home. Unfortunately, no one intervened because that was a 
family matter and none of their business.
  Domestic violence rarely made the headlines then and rarely makes the 
headlines now, primarily because most of the abuse occurs behind closed 
doors. In most instances, the victim knows the attacker. More than 50 
percent of victims are battered by a boyfriend or girlfriend. More than 
30 percent are assaulted by spouses, while 15 percent are attacked by 
ex-spouses. Many victims are reluctant to report these incidents to 
anyone because they fear this will only make things worse.
  Society tends to misplace the blame for continued abuse, focusing on 
the victim and criticizing him or her for not leaving the abuser. In 
many cases victims simply do not have the physical or financial 
resources to get out of the relationship. They often stay until things 
hit rock bottom.
  Every year, domestic violence results in approximately 100,000 days 
of hospitalization and more than 28,000 visits to emergency rooms. In 
these cases, major medical treatment is often required. Furthermore, 
the possibility of being murdered by an abuser increases to 75 percent 
if the woman attempts to leave on her own.
  Today, domestic violence is still causing terror and tears. But the 
story and its ending isn't quite the same. Thankfully, many of the 
calls for help are now answered. I would like to commend those who work 
every day to help victims of domestic violence, especially those who 
work in the nine service areas of my 69 county district--Dodge City, 
Emporia, Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Liberal, Salina, 
and Ulysses. They are the unsung heroes battling the culture of 
darkness that domestic violence victims are caught up in.
  Proximity to a safe facility can mean the difference between life and 
death. Though progress has been made in accessing services, many 
victims in central and western Kansas and other rural areas remain 
hundreds of miles away from the closest shelter. Ensuring safe havens 
for victims who leave abusive environments must continue to be a 
priority.
  Most domestic violence centers rely primarily on grants and local 
donations. Federal grants made under the Violence Against Women Act 
provided essential funds for shelter operations and support services. 
That program has been credited with substantially reducing the levels 
of violence committed against women and children. We must continue to 
ensure that our shelters and crisis centers receive adequate funding.
  As National Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, we are reminded 
that domestic violence is an issue that must be addressed all year 
long. Only through funding, education and support can America hope to 
end this terrible crime.

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