Mazie Hirono: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1637, which supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1637, which supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to be recognized this October. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important time to raise awareness of domestic violence and its devastating effects on our families and communities. In addition, this month offers organizations, social workers, and public officials a chance to spread the word about the resources which help victims seek the help they desperately need. Domestic violence is defined as the willful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic that affects women, men, and children in every community regardless of age, sex, economic status, nationality, or educational background. One in four women and one in six men will be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime, and 15 million children are abused every year.”