Bill Clinton: “I rise today to applaud my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing legislation to protect American women from domestic…”

“I rise today to applaud my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing legislation to protect American women from domestic violence. The Violence Against Women Act expired this past Saturday, October 1. I cosponsored the renewal of this vital legislation because it strengthens Federal and State efforts to prevent domestic violence and assist victims of domestic violence. It focuses resources and attention on some of the most vulnerable women in our society--women who too often suffer in silence. I am so pleased that by passing this bill the Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to helping women, men, and children prevent and cope with domestic abuse. The Violence Against Women Act responds to an ongoing crisis within many American families. Too many of our grandmothers, mothers, and daughters, and too many of our grandfathers, fathers, and sons are abused at home by a partner or family member. Every day in America some women and men, some elderly, are beaten, have objects thrown at them, suffer emotional and verbal abuse. Teenagers suffer abusive dating relationships. Many victims of domestic violence feel trapped and need support and assistance to leave their abusers and start violence-free lives. The image of a severely battered woman spurs many of us to stop domestic violence, but what is also disturbing is the prevalence of domestic violence. Domestic abuse is the common cold of violence.…”