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 27, 2007)

* Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Yvette Cade is an inspiring survivor of domestic violence. The justice system failed her. In 2005, Yvette sought protection from her estranged husband. Already a victim of domestic violence, Yvette had a restraining order against her estranged husband, but it was set to expire. Yvette turned to the courts for help. She personally asked District Judge Richard Palumbo to extend the restraining order. Judge Palumbo said no; he refused to extend the order. Judge Palumbo went so far as to make fun of Yvette for seeking a protective order. When Yvette, who represented herself without a lawyer, told Palumbo that she wanted ``an immediate, absolute divorce,'' Judge Palumbo replied, ``I'd like to be six-foot-five, but that's not what we do here.'' Judge Palumbo likened other domestic violence victims to buses that come along every 10 minutes. Judge Palumbo then dismissed Yvette's assault case against her estranged husband. Two weeks later, Yvette's fears of further abuse were realized when her estranged husband walked into her workplace, doused her with gasoline, struck a match, and set her on fire.

* Yvette Cade survived the third-degree burns across sixty-percent of her body. She underwent several surgeries and still has more surgeries in her future. As a victim, survivor, and advocate, Yvette Cade is an inspiring voice for all domestic violence victims. She is a reminder of the staggering statistics on domestic violence victims in America and the injustices that victims face on an all too-often basis.

* Yvette Cade triumphed over tragedy. To recognize her remarkable spirit and advocacy work on behalf of other victims, the Victims' Rights Caucus awarded Yvette the Eva Murillo ``Unsung Hero'' Award in April.

* Domestic violence victims need a voice so that they too can become survivors. That is why I sponsored H. Res. 590 to declare October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is appropriate that this House pass this legislation unanimously.

* With more awareness of domestic violence, more action can be taken. We owe it to good people like Yvette Cade. And that's just the way it is.

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