The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE NECESSITY OF ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E373 on March 5, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE NECESSITY OF ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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HON. SAM FARR
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an ongoing battle that is waged day-to-and minute-to-minute in our country. Largely perpetrated in silence, domestic violence is an overwhelming problem that affects every community and that transcends race, language, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, religion, economics, and gender. Too often, domestic violence is viewed as a women's issue, when in reality this is an issue that affects every aspect of our society: women, men, children, and communities as a whole. Domestic violence is an unacceptable reality and I believe that individuals must commit themselves to fighting this battle, which so often strikes at the very heart of our families.
In order to effectively decrease the incidence of domestic violence, full funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2000 is essential. VAWA funds programs that assist battered women and their children. President Bush's FY04 budget cuts $19 million from VAWA programs. This cut will have a profoundly negative effect on the victims of domestic violence who need the support of these programs to stop the cycle of violence in their lives. I support Congressional action to restore the cuts made to the VAWA programs in President Bush's budget, in order to continue to provide essential services to those who need our help the most.
Last year Congress passed, and the President signed, the DOJ Reauthorization Act (PL 107-273), which included the Violence Against Women Office Act. This statute established an Office on the Violence Against Women as a separate and distinct office that would ensure that the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act is a high priority for the Department of Justice. Attorney General Ashcroft has failed to create this office. His inaction amounts to a systematic disregard for the full implementation of this law. I would encourage all of my colleagues to join me in urging Attorney General Ashcroft to establish a separate Office on Violence Against Women to fulfill both the spirit and the letter of the law.
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