Jerry Moran: “tonight I rise to recognize October 2003 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Fortunately, in recent years we…”

“tonight I rise to recognize October 2003 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Fortunately, in recent years we have made great strides in bringing attention to domestic violence and in providing assistance to its victims. It is critical that we raise awareness of the problem because domestic violence has historically been considered a private matter. During 2001, there were almost 700,000 incidents of domestic violence. As we concentrate on national security and the economic state of our country, we cannot forget the crimes that disrupt homes and families in each and all of our communities. The fact is that domestic violence is occurring at an alarming rate. Recent statistics show that domestic violence makes up 20 percent of all violent crimes against women, and accounts for 33 percent of female murder victims. During 2001 in Kansas alone, one domestic violence incident occurred every 26 minutes. Throughout this past year, I have spent time visiting with the domestic violence program directors in my district, and they have shared with me their concerns that domestic violence shelters and support agencies are now seeing victims with even more complicated needs.”