CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON HOSTED A VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ROUNDTABLE WITH KEY LEADERS IN THE DALLAS AREA

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (center) with key leaders at the Violence Against Women Roundtable Discussion

Washington, DC – (Wednesday, January 25, 2012) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted a Roundtable Discussion to address violence against women and children in Dallas over the past weekend.  The forum was planned as a response to recent events in which several members of the sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. were assaulted in the Dallas area.  Cheryl Smith of the Dallas Weekly served as the moderator.

 Congresswoman Johnson used this opportunity to promote awareness about the recent attacks and to mobilize the community to end violence against women and children.

“I’ve always been committed to the advancement of women and children.  If we don’t provide a safe and secure environment for our children, then we run the risk of perpetuating the cycle of violence.  We must empower women to lead and protect their communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

 Mayor Mike Rawlings, District Attorney Craig Watkins, and Dallas Police Chief David Brown attended the event and emphasized how community support to end violence against women is critical for the Dallas community. Additional guests included Mrs. Serita Jakes of The Potter’s House and representatives from the Dallas Police Department. 

Members from the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault were on hand to provide background on the impact of state policy on these issues. 

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 U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek,Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.