On September 28, the House approved, 404-0, a resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The House Government Reform Committee approved the resolution on September 15 (see The Source, 9/16/05).
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) said that “according to the American Bar Association, nearly one in three women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during their lifetime. Consequently, in October 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence found a way to connect both victims of domestic violence with battered women’s advocates by instituting a National Day of Unity. The establishment of this day of recognition involved community activities at the national, state, and local levels. The program was successful in heightening awareness and empowering women in violent relationships…The awareness has contributed to the expansion of public education campaigns, victim services, recognition activities, and community outreach programs.”
Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) stated, “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 risk [for] domestic violence. They also have fewer services than other communities to deal with the violence and negative economic consequences that frequently result.” She added, “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.”
