Recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a month-long project dedicated to addressing the victimization of men, women, and children in our nation and raising awareness of the devastating impact of domestic violence. This month, we honor the survivors of domestic violence, whose struggles and successes continue to inspire us all as we rededicate ourselves to ending domestic violence in our communities.

* Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of every background and circumstance and affects every sector of our society. It can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or behavior used to coerce, threaten or humiliate another person.

* When it comes to domestic violence, there is no standard victim. It affects people from all walks of life, and individuals of every race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and socioeconomic background. Domestic violence is not restricted; it can happen to any couple, homosexual or heterosexual, whether they are married, living together, or dating.

* Mr. Speaker, despite the progress and achievements we have made in the recent past, there is still so much more to do. It is time to put an end to this devastating crime. Far too many families in this nation are affected by domestic violence. It is a growing epidemic affecting local, national and international communities alike.

* In the United States, one in four women and one in thirteen men will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in his or her lifetime and over 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year. Further, domestic violence can also act as a precursor to more serious crimes. In 80% of intimate party homicides, regardless of which partner was killed, domestic violence was present during the relationship prior to the killing. We must remember that these victims are not statistics, but people.

* Mr. Speaker, victims of violence often suffer in silence, with limited options, not knowing where to turn for support and guidance. We need to break this silence. Local domestic violence agencies, shelters, victim services providing legal, emotional, and medical support are vital to helping victims and their families heal. To effectively respond to domestic violence, we must support efforts to help expand these services and to continue to foster awareness.

* The Recovery Act passed by Congress in 2009 and signed by President Obama provided a total of $225 million to the Office of Violence against Women for grant funding for programs which expands efforts to curtail domestic violence.

* These vital funds help communities develop and enhance strategies to curb domestic violence, enhance services to people victimized by domestic violence, and work in cooperation to develop education and prevention strategies directed towards issues of domestic violence. Through knowledge, action and awareness we can take the necessary steps forward to reduce the prevalence of violence in our communities.

* In addition, as part of the Affordable Care Act, women will receive free preventative care, including domestic violence screenings and counseling as well as ensure that insurance companies may no longer classify domestic violence victims as people with pre-existing conditions.

* This month, let us recommit ourselves to ending domestic violence in our communities. We have a responsibility to continue to broaden our efforts to end violence against men, women and children. But we cannot solve this crisis alone. We must work together to create support, expand resources and eliminate barriers for victims of domestic violence. Stopping domestic violence means saving lives.

* Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to take time this month to honor domestic violence survivors, applaud their strength and courage, and find out what you can do to help prevent domestic violence in your community.

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