Congressman Ruben Hinojosa's Statement on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Press Release

"We must raise the awareness in our communities and throughout our nation on the terrible effects domestic violence has on its victims and their families. In each and every home, community, state and across our nation we must educate ourselves and help others to understand the tragic impact of violent relationships. Just recently I announced that the U.S. Department of Justice Office, through its Violence Against Women program, awarded the Migrant Health Program of Weslaco, Texas a grant of $288,750 to be used towards direct intervention and assistance for victims of sexual assault."

"The Migrant Health Program will partner with Women Together/Mujeres Unidas (WT/MU) to implement Una Nueva Mañana (A New Tomorrow) a program that provides cultural and linguistic outreach on sexual assault issues and services to underserved and low-income, Hispanic residents of Hidalgo County, including immigrant residents of the county."

"Sometimes victims of these horrendous crimes do not know who or where to turn to because they believe no one will understand them or they believe that reporting a crime could bring them more harm. That is why it is imperative that organizations which deal directly with our low-income and primarily Spanish speaking population have the resources to provide these victims of crime help and comfort so that they, and those affected by crime, will fully recover."

According to the White House website: WhiteHouse.gov

Despite considerable progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of three women in the United States lose their lives every day as a result of these unconscionable acts. And while women between the ages of 16 and 24 are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence, domestic violence affects people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or religion. Tragically, without intervention, children exposed to such violence can suffer serious long-term consequences that may include difficulty in school, post-traumatic disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and criminal behavior.

While government must do its part, all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence. Each of us can promote healthy relationships, speak out when we see injustice in our communities, stand with survivors we know, and change attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. We must also ensure that survivors of domestic violence know they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them. I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting www.TheHotline.org.

This month, let us renew our efforts to support victims of domestic violence in their time of greatest need, and to realize an America where no one lives in fear because they feel unsafe in their own home.

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