Reps. Wagner, Green, Larsen, Olson Commemorate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Special Resolution

Press Release

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Congressmembers Al Green (TX-09), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Pete Olson (TX-22), and Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement regarding their introduction of the Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2020:

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) stated, "Domestic violence is a pervasive evil that affects so many people across Missouri, especially women and minorities. This October we work to raise awareness of this crime, and we pledge to provide necessary support and resources to survivors and vulnerable populations who urgently need our help."

"Domestic violence has seriously impacted people of all ages as well as racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and religious backgrounds across our nation. During this unprecedented coronavirus crisis, many hospitals have reported a near-doubling of the proportion of domestic violence cases that resulted in physical injury, which have become dramatically more severe," Congressman Al Green (TX-09) noted. "This is why, now, even more than previous years, I am proud to be joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce the Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2020."

Congressman Green added, "Domestic violence victims often silently endure devastating abuses, including physical injury, psychological trauma, and, in the worst cases, death. This stain on the moral fabric of our nation is also known to create traumatizing generational impacts, with exposed children having a greater likelihood of attempting suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, running away, or becoming a human trafficking victim. I must thank my colleagues Representatives Wagner, Larsen, and Olson for serving as co-leads of this resolution as well as the many cosponsors. Together, we offer a resounding, "NO MORE!'"

"We must commit to not only raising awareness and supporting much-needed programs for victims but also to intervening in and preventing domestic violence throughout our nation. One victim of domestic violence is too many."

"Domestic violence is a pervasive problem regardless of class, culture, age or ethnic background," said Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02). "In the Second District, service providers offer wide-ranging services to all survivors of domestic violence, including those who experience traumatic abuse. I will continue to be a strong supporter of increasing federal resources and pandemic relief funding for these vital programs to ensure when survivors come forward for help and support, it will be available and safe."

"Domestic violence is a horrific cycle of abuse that devastates far too many people that must be stopped. Sadly, global pandemic restrictions have only intensified this nightmare," Congressman Pete (TX-22) Olson stated. "As Co-Chair of the Victim's Rights Caucus, I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all of my House colleagues to join our effort so we can unite and raise awareness to end domestic violence once and for all. I thank my colleagues Al Green, Ann Wagner and Rick Larsen for their leadership on this critical issue."