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.
“VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1630 on Sept. 28, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
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HON. BARBARA LEE
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 28, 2000
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House passed H.R. 1248, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1999 by a vote of 415-3. H.R. 1248 will reauthorize the act for 5 years and expand preventive measures against violence against women.
This measure will maintain and expand battered women's shelter programs, rape prevention programs as well as provide assistance to the growing number of victims.
While I was a state senator in California, I introduced similar legislation because I believed then, as I do now, that this issue is extremely important to the lives of women and their children. It has been ignored for too long.
In the past, domestic violence was not considered a crime. Today, however, police officers are getting trained to understand these crimes as well improve their ability to enforce the law.
VAWA has provided critical services to thousands of battered women. Since VAWA passed, the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services have awarded over $1.6 billion in grants nationwide to support the work of prosecutors, law enforcement officials, the courts, victims' advocates, health care and social service professionals, and intervention and prevention programs.
In addition, VAWA established a domestic violence hotline, which has received over half a million calls.
Unfortunately, domestic violence still devastates the lives of many women and children. Nearly 900,000 women experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner every year. Close to one-third of women murdered each year are killed by their husbands or significant other; and domestic violence accounts for over 20% of all violent crimes against women.
Children should not have to watch their mothers get beaten. Unfortunately, some of these children grow up to continue the cycle of abuse. And, they end up in prison.
Again, I am pleased with the passage of the VAWA because it has helped to save numerous lives of women and their children. This law has provided battered women and their children, a safe haven, and the support necessary for their physical and emotional security.
VAWA has given a second chance to these women as well as saved many of their lives.
Violence against women should not be tolerated. This legislation provides greater protections to all the women who have been victimized and abused.
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