Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH -- (House of Representatives - September 27, 2005)

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and expressing the sense of Congress that Congress should raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families.

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Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, October 1 will mark the 18th annual observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month has its genesis in 1981 when advocates for battered women across the country observed a day of unity in order to publicize domestic violence. Over the next 6 years, the day of unity evolved into a week of activities and in 1987 into Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In 1989, Congress recognized the tragedy of domestic violence in our country by passing commemorative legislation that honored victims of domestic violence and marked the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congress has since passed similar legislation each year to bring added exposure to this issue.

In 1994, through the coordinated efforts of advocacy groups such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the California Alliance Against Domestic Violence, and the National Organization of Women, Congress passed the landmark Violence Against Women Act. President Clinton signed the VAWA to shine a bright light on an issue that had loomed in the shadows for far too long.

The act provided help to victims who seek justice within the legal system and a refuge from abusive and dangerous domestic situations. To victims of domestic violence and advocates fighting to educate the public, this was truly a momentous occasion; and in the decade that followed the signing of the bill, violence in American homes dropped significantly. Indeed, the rate of family violence fell from 5.4 victims to 2.1 victims per 1,000 United States residents age 12 or older from the year 1993 to 2002.

Since then, other entities of the Federal Government have lent their support. In October 2003, the U.S. Postal Service issued its Stop the Family Violence semi-postal stamp to raise funds for the Department of Health and Human Services' domestic violence programs. To date, the postal service has sold more than 30 million of these stamps and generated $1.8 million for domestic violence programs.

As more Americans become aware of domestic violence, they learn that such violence knows no bounds and affects all parts of society. No race, economic class, or education level is immune from this home-grown tragedy. However, communities of color and Native American communities remain at higher risks of domestic violence. They also have fewer services than other communities to deal with the violence and negative economic consequences that frequently result.

While great strides have been made, an intolerable level of domestic violence still exists in the United States. Indeed, in 2002, nearly one-quarter of all murders in the United States took place within a family setting.

In observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must bear in mind the plight of hundreds of thousands of domestic violence victims and the work of those who continue to dedicate their energy and resources to eradicating domestic violence. As has occurred every year since 1989, I urge this body to pass this commemorative legislation and to mark the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).

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