Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Floor Speech

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of men, women, and children victimized by domestic violence.

This is an issue that is very personal to me. Nine years ago, my cousin, Dr. Robin Lynn Mitchell, my namesake, was murdered in her sleep by her husband in an act of domestic violence. A few months later, a campaign volunteer of mine, Velton Lacefield, was shot and killed by her husband in a similar crime.

Their stories, however heartbreaking, are, unfortunately, not unique. These tragedies play out over and over every day in our communities across America. The National Network to End Domestic Violence estimates that three women are killed each day as a result of domestic violence. It touches just about every home, no matter your ZIP code or your income bracket. Nearly three-quarters of Americans know a victim of domestic violence.

But that is just the human toll. Domestic violence also costs the U.S. economy over $8 billion annually in emergency room visits, mental health services, and lost productivity.

So as we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's commit ourselves to working to put an end to these tragedies, for Robin, for Velton, for all of us.

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