Straight Talk With Sam (Combating Domestic Violence)

Straight Talk With Sam (Combating Domestic Violence)

Some of the worst crimes committed against women and children are carried out by a member of their own family. Domestic violence is completely unacceptable, and unfortunately, studies show the rate of domestic violence increases over the holiday season. However, because a family member is many times the perpetrator, it often goes unreported.

Women and children need to know if they report a crime, they will be kept safe. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidelines for how to deal with domestic violence. It urges people to recognize early warning signs for physical violence such as a partner's extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, verbal threats, history of violent tendencies or abusing others, and verbal or emotional abuse.

The CDC emphasizes if you are the victim of domestic violence, not to blame yourself. The agency urges victims to talk with people they trust and seek help. For more information, the CDC recommends people contact their local battered women's shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 for TDD, or visit www.ndvh.org.

I have worked to provide federal funding to support local domestic violence programs and child advocacy services. If victims cannot have a safe haven at home, then we must provide them with a safe haven somewhere close to their home. Help cannot be obtained if the crime goes unreported. That is why it is important there is a place victims can go and feel safe. We should all work together to make sure everyone in the Sixth District of Missouri always has a place to go if they are victims of domestic violence.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2006issue48.htm