[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         H.R. 3271, THE SECURITY AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2011

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Security and 
Financial Empowerment Act, better known as the SAFE Act.
  Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are 
widespread problems that affect Americans from every background, 
ethnicity, and race. The prevalence of this violence is highlighted by 
the fact that nearly one in four women are beaten or sexually assaulted 
by a partner during adulthood and advocates are reporting an increase 
in the severity of these violent incidents.
  These crimes have serious societal costs and gave physical and 
psychological impacts on their victims. Credible research has found 
that many women are trapped in abusive relationships due to their 
economic circumstances. As a result, victims often face the terrifying 
choice of living with abuse or leaving without the ability to support 
themselves and their children.
  Under the SAFE Act, victims can take limited leave from work for 
safety planning and necessary court appearances without fear of losing 
their job. The SAFE Act also provides job protection when reasonable 
workplace safety modifications are requested.
  The recent tragedy in Seal Beach, California--where a salon 
employee's ex-husband allegedly opened fire and killed 8 people--
vividly illustrates how disputes at home can lead to violence in the 
workplace. To help employers address this issue, the bill reauthorizes 
the National Workplace Resource Center grant program. These grants will 
be made available to qualified organizations to establish and operate 
resource centers that assist employers on how to protect all their 
employees as well as those who are victims of domestic and sexual 
abuse.
  The SAFE Act also protects victims of domestic abuse by prohibiting 
employers from making hiring decisions and insurance companies from 
refusing coverage based on an individual's history of abuse.
  Finally, the SAFE Act makes it possible for a victim of domestic 
violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking eligible for 
unemployment insurance if it is necessary for an employee to leave a 
job to escape the abuse.
  The SAFE Act is a critical step towards helping victims of domestic 
violence and sexual assault to become survivors by giving them the 
financial security they need to seek help and end their dependence on 
abusive partners and ultimately break the cycle of violence in their 
lives.
  I want to thank the many dedicated advocates and organizations who 
work tirelessly every day to empower victims of physical and sexual 
abuse. They face daunting challenges as the demand for their services 
continues to increase even as their funding sources at the local, 
state, and federal levels are being slashed. Their input, expertise, 
and support have been invaluable in crafting the SAFE Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and Congressman Ted Poe 
in co-sponsoring and helping to pass the SAFE Act. For far too many 
people, the safety nets in this bill are literally the difference 
between life and death. The time to act is now.

                          ____________________