National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Working to Give a Voice to Those Who are Suffering

LocalOrganizations Collaborating in Times of Crisis.For those livingin Travis County, the Austin Police Department and the Austin/Travis CountyFamily Violence Protection Team work day in and day out to put and end todomestic violence, describing themselves as a "collaborative, communityresponse to family violence that provides multiple services at onelocation." These men and women ensurenot only that law enforcement gets involved in situations of family violence,but also that victims have the access they need to counseling, crisismanagement and legal services.

Similarly, Austin SafePlace serves as a beacon of hope inTravis County—providing families with not onlya place to stay if they need it, but also services designed to keep them out ofharm's way. I was pleased recently toannounce $500,000 in federal funds for SafePlace to address obstacles womenwith disabilities have in accessing domestic violence and sexual assaultservices. These funds will helpSafePlace continue their important work and make changes so that it caneffectively reach more individuals who may face unique challenges in seekinghelp.

Breakingthe Cycle of Violence Takes Investment. The Texas Council on Family Violenceconducted a statewide poll on the prevalence and attitudes toward domesticviolence and found that alarmingly, 74 percent of all Texans have eitherthemselves experienced some form of domestic violence in their lives, or have afamily member or a friend that has. Wecan prevent this tragedy one life at a time by dedicating sufficient resourcesto the prevention of domestic violence. Together we must send a strong message to the survivors of domesticviolence and sexual assault that we will work for change and we will settle fornothing less. By showing young people what it means to be in a healthyrelationship and by working to change the attitudes and beliefs that havehistorically supported domestic violence, like through Austin SafePlace'sExpect Respect program, we can break thecycle of violence.

Reauthorizethe Violence Against Women Act Now. In September, we celebrated the 17thanniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)—landmark legislation thathas made major strides in making America's women more safe and secure andbetter ensuring the victims of violence get a voice and the services they need.

Since the passage of VAWA, there is increased awarenessand understanding about the specialized needs of victims and recognition thateducation and training are required to effectively handle domestic violence,sexual assault and stalking cases. Thenumber of domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers and comprehensiveservice programs has increased significantly since the bill was enacted. With domestic violence shelters, VAWA fundshave strengthened women and their families by providing the resources they needto courageously leave their batterers.

The Violence Against Women Act is up for reauthorizationthis year. I am hopeful we will extend this important law.

Central Texas Hotline Making a Difference. VAWA alsoestablished the National Domestic Violence Hotline for victims to seekassistance. This hotline, which is basedin Central Texas, has logged more than 1million calls since it began in 1996. Hotline workers and volunteers have provided a helping hand with dignityand respect -- over and over.

Wemust also work to give a voice to those who are suffering. It takes great strength of character tountangle oneself and one's children from an abusive situation, and the TexasCouncil on Family Violence and its partner organizations recognize thatstrength, nurture it, and pass it along to those who still need help. They understandthat "safe homes and safe families are the foundation of a safe society." If you or someone you know is a victim ofdomestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at1-800-799-7233 or Austin SafePlace at (512) 267-SAFE.

U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett is asenior member of the House Waysand Means Committee and the House Budget Committee. He is also Ranking Memberof the Human Resources Subcommittee.