On the recordFebruary 14, 2018
Today is Valentine's Day. Children will pass around cards and candy at school. Young men and women will gather the courage to speak with their crush, and many couples will get engaged to marry. I sent my first Valentine, my mother, flowers. I will spend this evening telling my wife, Monica, and my girls, Sky and Sage, the many ways that I love and appreciate them over FaceTime. But for many, today is not a joyous day. There are too many victims of domestic abuse who live in homes of broken hearts and who search for love but find violence instead. No form of mental, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse is acceptable no matter who it is from or under any circumstance, period. I thank the many organizations, like Shelter From the Storm, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, and others in my district, for the refuge and support that they provide. To the victims: I want you to know that you are not broken and you are not at fault. You are a survivor and you have the courage. Help is only one phone call away. Happy Valentine's Day. ____________________
