Lois Capps: “I rise to highlight Lifetime television's campaign to Stop Violence Against Women. This violence crosses all economic…”

“I rise to highlight Lifetime television's campaign to Stop Violence Against Women. This violence crosses all economic, cultural, racial, religious and educational lines. It is a multi-faceted problem with no easy solution. But prevention through education and awareness is key to ending the cycle of abuse perpetuated against nearly one-third of American women. I will soon introduce legislation to dramatically increase the scale of intervention by urging every health care provider to screen women, age 18 and older, for domestic violence. My bill would also provide health care professionals with the training needed to assess women for signs of abuse. In the confidential environment of a doctor's office or clinic, health care professionals would serve as a bridge to the criminal justice system. Routine screening for domestic violence would unlock options a woman may not otherwise pursue and allow her to see that shelter and advocacy services may be useful to her. Madam Speaker, I commend all who have worked unwaveringly to bring the issue of violence against women to the forefront.”