Joe Pitts: “we live in a world that has changed drastically since the 1950s. Couples are getting married later in life, and almost…”

“we live in a world that has changed drastically since the 1950s. Couples are getting married later in life, and almost 40 percent of first marriages end in divorce. And yet every day, men and women all over the country pledge to spend their lives together. Despite what some people believe about marriage, the facts say one thing: Marriage is still the safest place for women. Mr. Speaker, studies from the Department of Justice show that never-married women are twice as likely to be abused by their partner than married women. Violence occurs more often in homes where the couples are unmarried compared to wed couples, with unmarried women three times more likely to become victims of violence than married women. Mr. Speaker, these are disturbing statistics. As we consider welfare reform in the coming days, we must encourage and support programs that will provide safety and security for women. It is clear that a society that promotes marriage promotes women.”