Louise Slaughter: “15 years ago, our greatest challenge was convincing Americans that domestic violence was a real problem. Many women knew…”

“15 years ago, our greatest challenge was convincing Americans that domestic violence was a real problem. Many women knew too well that we were in the midst of a deadly epidemic, but the culture of silence that surrounded the issue made it difficult for them to speak out or get help. Being a victim of domestic violence was a source of fear and shame. Many women were trapped in these situations without any means of escape. Furthermore, it was trivialized by law enforcement, by the judicial system, by health care providers, and even sometimes by friends, family, and neighbors. I am proud to have been an original coauthor of this bill and a leader among the Members who fought for its passage. But I must remind everybody, it was enormously controversial. Many Members objected to its passage strenuously. My colleagues and I worked long and hard to convince them otherwise and finally secured its inclusion in the omnibus crime passage. VAWA, which catapulted domestic violence onto the national agenda, provided Federal support for programs like shelters for battered women and their children, education for law enforcement officers and judges, and resources for prevention and education. I was also the author on that bill to protect immigrant spouses. I urge passage of the bill, and I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for saving it from extinction.”