[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR HOMICIDE VICTIMS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, September 25th is the National Day 
of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. On this day, it is important for 
all of us to reflect on the terrible toll that violence takes on our 
communities, and for us to reflect on ways to reduce this violence. One 
type of homicide that is particularly disturbing is when the 
perpetrator is a partner of the victim. According to the Centers for 
Disease Control, on average, three women a day are murdered by their 
current or former husbands. That is three women a day who are killed by 
the very same man who took an oath to honor and protect them.
  This number should be disturbing to all of us. We are not doing 
enough to keep women safe in their own homes, the very place where we 
should all find safety and comfort. Too many American women are finding 
danger, violence, and even death in their own homes.
  One-third--yes, that's right--one-third, of all murdered females are 
killed by somebody they were in a relationship with. That is a 
staggering statistic. These women are not being killed by a stranger in 
a dark alley, they are being killed by people they trust, often in 
their own homes.
  To bring attention to this issue, Congresswoman Edwards and I have 
introduced H. Res. 757, to support the goals and ideals of the National 
Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. It is my hope that this 
resolution can help raise awareness about this epidemic of violence, 
and encourage all of us to realize just how prevalent this is in our 
communities. The time has come for us all to work together to end this 
violence.

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