Committee Supports Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On September 15, the House Government Reform Committee approved, by voice vote, a resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Sponsored by Rep. Al Green (D-TX), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

• Domestic violence affects women, men, and children of all racial, social, religious, ethnic, and economic groups in the United States;
• Family violence accounted for 11 percent of all reported and unreported violence between 1998 and 2002;
• Family members were responsible for 43 percent of murders of females in 2002;
• There is a need to increase public awareness and understanding of domestic violence and the needs of battered women and children;
• The month of October 2005 has been recognized as an appropriate month for activities furthering awareness of domestic violence; and
• The dedication and success of those working tirelessly to end domestic violence and the strength of the survivors of domestic violence should be recognized.

In a press release announcing his introduction of H. Con. Res. 209, Rep. Green stated, “Domestic violence is a serious issue in our country that threatens many innocent lives. We must work in order to break the cycle of violence that afflicts so many people bringing awareness to domestic violence is the first step. We must continue to work through programs and initiatives until we have eliminated all forms of domestic violence in our society.”