Jim Costa: “Domestic violence should never, ever be tolerated. The NFL's inept response to the recent reports of domestic violence…”

“Domestic violence should never, ever be tolerated. The NFL's inept response to the recent reports of domestic violence has thrust a tragic spotlight onto this issue that we all are well aware of. The truth of the matter is domestic violence and sexual assault are daily realities for women across our Nation. One in four women will experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In 2012, in part of the area that I represent in California, 6,000 domestic violence cases were reported by the Fresno Police Department. It is hard to believe, and it is unacceptable. Today, let's make a commitment not to let this moment fade away after the headlines are gone. As a cofounder and cochair of the bipartisan Victims' Rights Caucus, we will keep working with all the victim advocate groups to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act and end the rape kit backlog and ensure that every woman has the right to a life without violence. ____________________”