Jerry Moran: “the month we are in, the month of October, is Domestic Violence Awareness Month--the time that we should recognize the…”

“the month we are in, the month of October, is Domestic Violence Awareness Month--the time that we should recognize the devastating impact domestic violence continues to have on individuals, families, and communities across our States and the Nation. The issue of domestic violence often remains hidden behind closed doors. It is a reality that affects millions of Americans every year, both in communities large and small, urban and rural, and unfortunately across my own home State of Kansas. While national headlines may briefly focus attention on this issue when a tragedy occurs or a public figure is involved, our commitment to ending abuse must remain constant after the news cycle. The statistics regarding domestic violence are staggering. Domestic violence that occurs between partners--girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives--affects more than 12 million--12 million--people every year. On a typical day, every 9 seconds, a woman is assaulted in the United States. In Kansas, law enforcement reports nearly 22,000 incidents of domestic violence annually. These aren't statistics from faraway places; they reflect our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. We have a responsibility to bring hope to those who feel afraid to speak out. I want to recognize the Kansans who dedicate their lives to that mission, those who work and volunteer in shelters, crisis centers, advocacy organizations, and law enforcement across the country.”