On the recordOctober 25, 2011
I thank the gentleman for bringing this Special Order together with Congressman Poe. Mr. Speaker, every day, millions of Americans, the great majority of them women, live in fear of attack, not from a stranger lurking in the bushes or a dark alley, but perhaps even more frightening, from the partner with whom they share a home or a bed. Domestic violence is an assault on everything that matters in a woman's life--her physical safety, her dignity, self-respect, and her job security, as well as her capacity to be a good parent. Children are directly in the line of fire. Too often they also are physically abused, but mere exposure to the violence can cause behavioral issues ranging from poor academic performance and truancy to drug abuse and domestic violence of their very own. {time} 1720 The societal impact, Mr. Speaker, is huge--billions in health care costs, lost economic activity and more. Domestic violence is a problem that affects all of us. Increased awareness in recent years has made a difference. There was a time when a woman trapped in a violent relationship had little recourse and faced a stigma that kept her from getting help. Just the fact that women are more likely to call 911 represents huge progress, but we have to do much more. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take unpaid time off work after giving birth, after adopting a child or in order to care for a sick relative.…
