Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 26, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for H. Res. 590, a resolution supporting the goal and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

* Within the United States, we know that one out of every four American women will experience violence by an intimate partner sometime during her lifetime.

* Great strides have been made in breaking the vicious cycle of domestic violence in this country. With the impact of legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, the rate of domestic violence against females over the age of 12 in the U.S. declined between 1993 and 2001.

* Despite this progress, however, we must continue to raise awareness and actively work to combat this epidemic. We must speak out on behalf of victims who, for too long, were forced to suffer in silence.

* Domestic violence can, and often does, turn deadly. A study released by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2005 reported that roughly 22 percent of murders were committed against family members. This study also shows that women are much more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence. In fact, over three-quarters of domestic violence victims are female, while over three-quarters of domestic violence perpetrators are male. It was also found that family members were responsible for an astounding 43 percent of murders of females.

* According to a survey conducted in 2007 by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, 56 percent of men have had reason to believe that a member of their immediate or extended family, a close friend, or an acquaintance has been in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation. However, this survey also shows that 57 percent of men believe that they personally can make at least some difference in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault.

* I believe that we can all make a difference in the battle against domestic violence. I do not only believe that we can make a difference, but that we must make a difference. I would like to thank my colleague, fellow Texas Congressman Ted Poe for introducing this important resolution.

* I would also like to recognize the numerous organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to eradicate domestic violence and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and our communities.

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