In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Floor Speech

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, during which we take actions to address domestic abuse and encourage people to speak up and seek help. It is when everyone can join in the efforts led by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to end the violence and keep our communities safe.

Domestic violence is a major issue that affects our society as a whole. Many families live day to day with some form of abuse as their reality. Millions of domestic violence incidents are reported each year, and many more go undocumented. While domestic violence is not gender specific, women are the most common group affected by domestic abuse. One in four women experience domestic violence in their life and in New York State alone, 85 percent of the victims of domestic violence in 2010 were women.

In New York City, the NYPD responded to more than 263,000 domestic violence calls last year. To put that into perspective that would be about 700 reports of domestic violence a day or one every two minutes. I am dedicated to making the community safer for my constituents; recently I co-sponsored the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which was signed into law by President Obama on March 7, 2013. The law addresses the major issue of domestic violence and makes huge strides to help put an end to it. Through the renewal of the 1994 legislation, victims of abuse will have access to resources they need to find help, and law enforcement will be better prepared to respond faster than ever. It is important that we foster an environment where people do not fear to leave an abusive situation.

I commend the outstanding work of our community organizations in addressing this problem: The Harlem Community Justice Center, New York City Family Justice Centers, STEPS to End Family Violence, Sanctuary for Families, The New York Latinas Against Domestic Violence, The New York City Human Resources Administration/ Department of Social Services (24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE), The Center against Domestic Violence of New York (24-Hour Hotline: 1-718-439-1000), The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (New York State Hotline: 1-800-942-6906, and Safe Horizon (800)-621-HOPE (4673), have all done incredible work in providing invaluable assistance to the victims of domestic violence and in raising awareness.

If you are a victim of domestic violence please raise your voice and get help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the resources listed above. We as a community support you and we will fight domestic violence together.

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