On the recordSeptember 5, 2018
I thank Representative Thompson for this Special Order but, even more importantly, for sponsoring this legislation and giving many of us the opportunity to join with him because, indeed, this is not simply a piece of legislation that changes lives and saves lives, as it does, but it also changes history--the history of individuals, the history of families we trust, and the history of communities and this country--by doing the right thing. This Special Order on the importance of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act takes this from just simple legislation and the effort that goes there and puts human faces on it, and so I thank the gentleman for that. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this vital legislation that, for over 30 years, has been protecting and seeking justice for victims of domestic violence, especially women and children, though also for men and parents who are caught in a trap that, sadly, too often takes place within a so-called family situation. FVPSA was the first Federal law to address domestic violence; and since the law was enacted in 1984, it has continued to focus on providing shelter and services for survivors and children exposed to domestic violence. Every year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence conducts its annual census, which provides snapshot of domestic violence services provided nationwide during a 24-hour period.…
