Speech #1060001390

This title also includes the language of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act which amends federal hate crimes legislation to permit federal prosecution for bias crimes based on gender. sexual orientation. or disability. Furthermore. language concerning the prevention of custodial sexual assault by correctional staff will make sexual conduct between all prison custodial staff and inmates a federal crime and establish measures to ensure that those convicted of such crimes are prevented from becoming correctional staff in the future. The Violence Against Women Act of 1999 includes other important provisions such as the rescheduling and classification of daterape drugs. establishing grants for improved legal advocacy and representation of victims of sexual violence. and provisions to protect battered immigrant women. Neady one in every three adult women experience at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. I urge my colleagues to join me in the fight to protect women from sexual abuse and violence.