[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 27, 1992]
[Page 2029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing Legislation on Child Custody Litigation
October 27, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 1253, a bill that provides for 
research and training materials to assist State courts in child custody 
litigation involving domestic violence.
    Domestic violence is a serious problem in our Nation. Each year more 
than 3 million women are the victims of domestic violence. Much of this 
violence is witnessed by children, often with devastating and far-
reaching emotional and psychological consequences.
    Many battered women eventually divorce their husbands. But spousal 
abuse does not always end with divorce. In fact, the abuse can become 
worse, especially in connection with child custody litigation.
    H.R. 1253 takes an important step in addressing this problem. The 
bill authorizes the funding of up to five projects to investigate and 
carry out research regarding State judicial decisions in child custody 
cases that involve domestic violence. The legislation also authorizes 
the development and dissemination of training materials to assist State 
courts in formulating appropriate responses in such cases.
    This legislation will help send a strong message about our 
commitment both to combatting domestic violence and to ensuring that the 
children of battered women are raised in safe, loving, and nonabusive 
environments. I am pleased to sign H.R. 1253 and commend its sponsor and 
cosponsors for their foresight and concern.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 27, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 1253, approved October 27, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-528.