Jim Costa: “As a cochairman of the Crime Victims Caucus, along with our good friend and colleague Congressman Ted Poe, our caucus…”

“As a cochairman of the Crime Victims Caucus, along with our good friend and colleague Congressman Ted Poe, our caucus wants to join in this effort to say ``no more.'' The Crime Victims Caucus is active in a host of different areas, and this is one that deserves our attention. As we mark the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we must remember that every day millions are struggling with the aftermath of sexual assault. We remember the survivors, and we honor the advocates who support them. Awareness and action can help end the cycle of sexual assault and domestic violence. One in five women in this country, sadly, are raped over the course of their lifetime, and half of all women will experience some type of sexual assault. These are horrific, horrific numbers. These are our sisters, our mothers, and our wives. We must act. Millions of victims are not receiving the assistance they need, and Congress must act. A national survey in 2013 showed that 75 percent of the rape crisis centers have lost funding, resulting in layoffs and reduced services and program closures when, in fact, we need 24/7 service for this very, very important matter. Those numbers mean communities with shuttered emergency shelters that could have helped women and men find safe haven are no longer available. We must do better.…”