Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Highlights the Importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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[DALLAS, TX] – Today, Congresswoman Johnson joined millions of Americans in marking October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.   The country has recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987.

“During this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Americans should join together in rededicating ourselves to eradicating from our society the scourge of domestic violence,” Congresswoman Johnson.  “The domestic violence cases within the National Football League have begun a national conversation and we should use this conversation to focus on ensuring all victims of domestic violence get the services they need and on promoting strategies that can prevent domestic violence.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  Before VAWA, domestic violence was seen by many as a lesser offense. But the passing of VAWA changed these societal ideals.   VAWA treats domestic violence as the violent crime that it is -- providing resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to address violent crimes against women and funding training for over 500,000 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and other personnel every year.    

“Domestic and sexual violence are forms of abuse that have plagued communities both foreign and domestic. Women who fall victim to domestic and sexual violence should not feel ashamed of their situation.

By standing strong in support of Women’s Rights, VAWA empowers victims by providing a voice for issues that have historically laid silent.” said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.  “We must continue to strengthen our response to these crimes and deepen our commitment to all survivors.”

The current prevalence of domestic violence in our society should be unacceptable to everyone – men and women,” Congresswoman Johnson concluded. “As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness month, let us stand together as one nation and proclaim zero tolerance for domestic violence and work to end it in our society.”

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.