[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH

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                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 3, 2009

  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Madam Speaker, In recognition of October as 
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I would like to thank the 
United States Army for the work it has done lately to raise awareness 
about domestic violence. So many resources are expended ensuring that 
our soldiers are equipped to fight wars abroad, however, upon their 
return, soldiers and their families should not be subjected to war at 
home in the form of domestic violence. It takes a community and an 
ongoing commitment to address the epidemic of domestic violence. No 
sector of society is immune from domestic violence, including the armed 
services.
  Fortunately, progress is being made by raising awareness about 
domestic violence and assisting families impacted by domestic violence. 
Yet, so much work remains to be done because senseless acts of violence 
continue to occur in homes and communities across America every day.
  The 2009 Army Domestic Violence Awareness Month observance theme is 
``Make the Right Choice! Act to Prevent Domestic Abuse.'' This theme 
stresses the need for each person in the Army to know that he or she 
can do something to prevent domestic violence. For instance, the Army's 
Family Advocacy program is working hard to address domestic violence by 
providing counseling and other resources to Army families.
  A critical component of these prevention efforts is to support 
soldiers when they return home so that the effects of conditions such 
as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other reactions to the 
combat experience, do not contribute to domestic violence. These 
resources provide soldiers with the counseling and support they need to 
cope with the violence they were subjected to while at war.
  However, we know that PTSD does not cause domestic violence; we must 
direct resources to address the inter-generational cycle of violence 
and support victims in violent relationships. We must foster an 
atmosphere of no tolerance for domestic violence, no matter the rank or 
status of the perpetrator of the violence or that of the victim.
  I would like to take this opportunity today to join the Army in its 
commitment to educating soldiers and their families about domestic 
violence and recognize the collective responsibility of all of us to 
prevent domestic violence wherever it occurs.
  I hope we can all reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness about 
domestic violence, and most importantly, breaking the silence and 
stigma surrounding domestic violence. We do this by encouraging 
atmospheres of openness and responsiveness in support of victims 
instead of punishing them. The war against domestic violence is one 
that has waged far too long, but with ongoing commitment and hard work, 
we can win this war!

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