[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15224]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of 
October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month is a month-long project dedicated to addressing the 
victimization of men, women, and children in our nation and raising 
awareness of the devastating impact of domestic violence. This month, 
we honor the survivors of domestic violence, whose struggles and 
successes continue to inspire us all as we rededicate ourselves to 
ending domestic violence in our communities.
  Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of every background 
and circumstance and affects every sector of our society. It can be 
defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to 
gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can 
be physical, emotional, sexual, or behavior used to coerce, threaten or 
humiliate another person.
  When it comes to domestic violence, there is no standard victim. It 
affects people from all walks of life, and individuals of every race, 
ethnicity, religion, gender, and socioeconomic background. Domestic 
violence is not restricted; it can happen to any couple, homosexual or 
heterosexual, whether they are married, living together, or dating.
  Mr. Speaker, despite the progress and achievements we have made in 
the recent past, there is still so much more to do. It is time to put 
an end to this devastating crime. Far too many families in this nation 
are affected by domestic violence. It is a growing epidemic affecting 
local, national and international communities alike.
  In the United States, one in four women and one in thirteen men will 
be the victim of domestic violence at some point in his or her lifetime 
and over 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year. 
Further, domestic violence can also act as a precursor to more serious 
crimes. In 80% of intimate party homicides, regardless of which partner 
was killed, domestic violence was present during the relationship prior 
to the killing. We must remember that these victims are not statistics, 
but people.
  Mr. Speaker, victims of violence often suffer in silence, with 
limited options, not knowing where to turn for support and guidance. We 
need to break this silence. Local domestic violence agencies, shelters, 
victim services providing legal, emotional, and medical support are 
vital to helping victims and their families heal. To effectively 
respond to domestic violence, we must support efforts to help expand 
these services and to continue to foster awareness.
  The Recovery Act passed by Congress in 2009 and signed by President 
Obama provided a total of $225 million to the Office of Violence 
against Women for grant funding for programs which expands efforts to 
curtail domestic violence.
  These vital funds help communities develop and enhance strategies to 
curb domestic violence, enhance services to people victimized by 
domestic violence, and work in cooperation to develop education and 
prevention strategies directed towards issues of domestic violence. 
Through knowledge, action and awareness we can take the necessary steps 
forward to reduce the prevalence of violence in our communities.
  In addition, as part of the Affordable Care Act, women will receive 
free preventative care, including domestic violence screenings and 
counseling as well as ensure that insurance companies may no longer 
classify domestic violence victims as people with pre-existing 
conditions.
  This month, let us recommit ourselves to ending domestic violence in 
our communities. We have a responsibility to continue to broaden our 
efforts to end violence against men, women and children. But we cannot 
solve this crisis alone. We must work together to create support, 
expand resources and eliminate barriers for victims of domestic 
violence. Stopping domestic violence means saving lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to take time this month to honor 
domestic violence survivors, applaud their strength and courage, and 
find out what you can do to help prevent domestic violence in your 
community.

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