[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 1989, Congress 
designated October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 
order to raise awareness about the tragic social ill that is domestic 
violence, and to help bring attention to the efforts of those who are 
working to end it. Today, victims of domestic violence in the United 
States are more likely to report their situation to the authorities 
than they were three decades ago, and the number of fatal and non-fatal 
cases of domestic violence has declined significantly. The efforts of 
nonprofit organizations, such as the YWCA Harmony House located in my 
Congressional district, have assisted millions of victims of domestic 
abuse in making the best possible choices for their life and well-
being.
  While the number of domestic violence cases has indeed declined in 
the last few years, there are still millions of people experiencing 
some type of domestic abuse each year in the United States. An 
overwhelming number of these victims are women, who in many cases 
suffer in silence instead of seeking help. Sadly, victims often 
completely isolate themselves out of fear and shame of their abuse.
  Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that one in four women in the United 
States will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Women 
between the ages of 20 to 24 are the largest group of non-fatal abuse 
victims, while women under 24 suffer from the highest rates of rape and 
sexual abuse. Furthermore, women living in households at the lowest 
income level experience six times the rate of domestic abuse.
  Domestic violence, however, is by no means limited to any one group. 
Due to numerous factors, including social stigma, many male victims of 
domestic abuse tend to remain silent. In addition, domestic abuse 
occurs in approximately 30 to 40 percent of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and 
Transgender (GLBT) relationships, contrary to the misconception that 
domestic abuse only affects certain individuals.
  Young children who live in homes where spousal abuse takes place are 
also often victims of abuse themselves. In fact, it is estimated that 
30 to 60 percent of people who take part in domestic violence against 
their partners also abuse children in their household. Sadly, some of 
these children grow up to be abusers themselves.
  In 1994, I voted in favor of the Violence Against Women Act, historic 
legislation that established new criminal and civil enforcement 
resources to hold abusers accountable for their actions, while 
introducing tools to help victims seek justice. Additionally, as part 
of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) announced new guidelines that will ensure women receive 
preventive health services without additional cost, including domestic 
violence screening and counseling. Under the Affordable Care Act, 
insurance companies can no longer classify domestic violence as a pre-
existing condition.
  Last year, I also voted in favor of reauthorizing the Child Abuse 
Prevention and Treatment Act, which gives communities life-saving tools 
to help identify and treat child abuse or neglect. It also supports 
shelters, service programs, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 
providing victims with the critical resources they need.
  Mr. Speaker, victims of domestic abuse should know that they are not 
alone. There are countless organizations all over this Nation who stand 
ready to help them. In Congress, I will continue to do everything in my 
power to speak out against domestic violence and ensure that our laws 
protect the well-being of all Americans.

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