Ending the Cycle of Violence Against Women

ENDING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN -- (House of Representatives - March 10, 2005)

(Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this week marks Stop Violence Against Women Week. I rise to show my support for victims of domestic violence. I grew up in a large family. I am the sixth of seven children, and my family has always supported me. Nothing can replace the strength you draw from those that you love and trust. Tragically, it is even more devastating if family members or significant others violate this trust and become abusive.

Domestic violence is an enormous problem in this country, one that deserves immediate attention. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, domestic violence is the largest cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.

Each year, between 2 million and 4 million women are battered, and 2,000 of those women will die from their injuries. Nearly one-third of American women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

We can no longer afford to ignore this issue. This year is especially important because 2005 marks the tenth anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Later this year, VAWA will come up for reauthorization. I urge my colleagues to do their part to support VAWA and support the efforts of women's advocates and to end the cycle of violence.

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