On the recordApril 1, 2011
Today I rise to speak about two of the most significant issues facing our society today--the twin scourges of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Our society has a moral obligation to stand up against those who exploit their power to commit violence against women, men, and children. I join other Members here today in taking the opportunity to discuss these issues and participate in the White Ribbon Campaign. On Tuesday of this past week, March 22, in Syracuse, New York, the president of SUNY Upstate Medical University, Dr. David Smith, chaired a breakfast. It was the kickoff to the White Ribbon Campaign, a campaign that is to draw attention to and focus on, raise awareness of, domestic violence and sexual abuse. The White Ribbon Campaign is an international campaign, participating probably across 55 countries. Later in the week, on Friday, again Dr. Smith led a group of men in a march raising awareness for domestic violence. They marched in women's shoes down the main street in Syracuse, New York. Again, ``walk a mile in their shoes,'' raising awareness, raising the consciousness of domestic violence and sexual abuse, these issues that face our society today. The international campaign has probably 55 countries and involves a general public education focused on preventing domestic violence. Many of my fellow Members this past week have been wearing white ribbons for our commitment to putting the spotlight on domestic violence.…
