[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5426]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Sexual 
Assault Awareness Month. During the month of April, I urge my 
colleagues and Americans around the country to reflect on the effects 
of sexual assault and domestic violence in their communities and to 
join me in making a commitment to end this stain on our society. In 
conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our country will 
observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week on April 18-24, 2010. This 
year's theme, Crime Victim's Rights: Fairness, Dignity, and Respect, is 
a reminder of the progress our country has made as well as the work 
that still must be accomplished.
  As a former U.S. Capitol Police Officer, I understand the effects 
violent crime can have on a family and community. I recognize the 
significant role government and other supporting agencies must play in 
assisting victims of sexual assault and preventing violence. We must 
never forget that sexual assault is a violent crime with devastating 
implications.
  One in six women and one in thirty-three men reported experiencing 
rape or attempted rape in the United States. In 2008, an estimated 
222,000 rapes or sexual assaults on individuals age 12 and older were 
reported. One in four women will experience domestic violence from a 
partner in their lifetime. Each year, an estimated 1.3 million women 
are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner. These numbers, 
while terrible, grossly underestimate the problem. Many cases of sexual 
assault and domestic violence are not reported because victims are 
afraid to tell the police, their family, or their friends about the 
abuse.
  Such violence affects not only the victims of abuse, but their 
families, communities, and, most unfortunately, their children. Women, 
men, and children throughout our country suffer the long-lasting 
effects of sexual assault and domestic violence through the emotional 
and physical scars they carry each day.
  It is clear we must do more to prevent these crimes and help those 
who are victimized. I have long supported efforts to recognize, 
prevent, and combat violent crimes committed against women and 
children, and I am always seeking to improve Federal laws and programs 
regarding this issue. In 1990, I was a cosponsor of the original 
Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, proposal, and I supported passage of 
the bill when it became law in 1994. Additionally, I support the Family 
Violence Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, and I am pushing for 
greater funding for FVPSA programs and grants.
  Countless organizations throughout our country are helping victims of 
abuse every day, thanks in part to VAWA and FVPSA. It is essential to 
recognize the organizations committed to providing victims of abuse the 
assistance they need to overcome the trauma of violence. Please join me 
in commending the dedicated efforts of the individuals who work 
tirelessly to stop violence in our communities.

                          ____________________