[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 25596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Ms. CHU asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, many victims of domestic violence are afraid to 
tell their story. They are afraid to get help or don't know how. These 
men, women, and children need someone to stand up for them, to know 
where to turn. That is what Domestic Violence Awareness Month is all 
about. In fact, this October is the 20th anniversary of legislation to 
establish this event.
  Domestic violence is shockingly common. One in four American women 
and almost 10 percent of men will be sexually or physically assaulted 
by a spouse, intimate partner, or acquaintance at some point in their 
life.
  I strongly support full funding of domestic violence programs for 
fiscal year 2010. This money is sorely needed. According to a recent 
study, last year, on one day alone, 10,000 people were turned away from 
local domestic violence programs due to a lack of resources.
  I pledge to work on behalf of domestic violence victims here in 
Congress. I want survivors to know how much I respect and commend them 
for their bravery, and I want them to know there are services and 
support groups that can help.

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