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“DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1980 on Nov. 2, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
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HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD
of guam
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 1, 2001
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I rise to speak on this social disease and the harm it imposes on our communities.
Domestic violence is an unyielding presence in our society and has extended past the status of a law enforcement issue into a global health problem with far-reaching effects. Domestic violence triggers a seemingly endless string of physical, sexual, and psychological strain that occurs regardless of race, class, age, sexual orientation, and religion, and tends to transmit patterns of violent behavior to children who witness or are victims to domestic violence.
The numbers of victims involved are staggering. Last year six out of ten rapes were committed by an intimate male partner, relative, friend or an acquaintance. A woman is raped every 6 minutes and is physically abused by her husband every 9 seconds. Each year, approximately 1.5 million women are raped and may be physically assaulted by an intimate partner. In 1999, 1218 women were killed by a current or former partner. According to the Department of Justice, nearly half of the violent crimes against women are not reported to the police. Victims of domestic violence are often economically dependent on their offenders and are forced to remain with them and endure abuse. Many women who flee abusive homes and turn to shelters are turned away due to lack of resources. Even wealthier women may find their personal funds inaccessible after leaving a violent situation.
Domestic violence particularly plagues our children. One in five child murders was committed by a family member. An estimated 70 percent of men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children. Children of battered women are 12 to 14 times more likely to be abused sexually by their mother's partner. In homes where spousal abuse occurs, children are abused at a rate 1500 percent higher than the national average. These figures may be shocking statistics to some of us, but for many Americans domestic violence is a harsh reality.
In Guam, of the 2,090 violent offenses reported to the Guam Police Department, 661 arrests were made for family violence. In 1999, the Guam Child Protective Services received 1,908 referrals, and between 1997 and 1999, the Guam Adult Protective Services received 907 referrals for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Domestic violence is an epidemic that we can no longer afford to tolerate. Every woman, man, and child has the right to a healthy and safe environment. Numerous national and state organizations have contributed to efforts in raising awareness, conducting programs encouraging preventive mechanisms, providing counseling services, and building centers or shelters for victims and their families.
In recognition of this growing concern and the need to address this issue, October has been declared ``Family Violence Awareness Month'' by the Governor of Guam. This annual proclamation and commemoration has included a Silent Witness Ceremony in honor of domestic violence victims, a ``Hands Across Guam Rally'' for island-wide community outreach, a Family Violence Conference for the general public and professional staff, and a Poster Exhibition for Elementary Schools including children's artwork on family and love.
Guam has also benefitted from the $300 million in Services, Training, Officers and Prosecution (STOP) Violence Against Women grant funds, which were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Violence Against Women Office to 4,715 grant recipients nationwide. Of these funds, 51 grants were awarded to agencies and organizations in Guam, totaling more than $2.5 million.
Domestic violence is a widespread and growing problem needing urgent and constant attention. Together we must all work to educate and eliminate domestic crimes so that women, children, and families can live in a safe and nurturing home environment. Therefore, I urge my fellow colleagues to stand together in support of this issue for all victims of domestic violence and for the health and safety of our entire Nation.
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