Speech #1090072666

It is an epidemic that affects not only women. but their children and families as well. As we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. it is time that we actively work to end violence against women. I would like to draw special attention to immigrant women who continue to lack access to many resources that would enable them to escape domestic abuse. While we were able to include many critical provisions of relief to battered immigrant women when we reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act in 2000. there are still battered immigrants. like asylees and the elderly. who are forced to remain in abusive relationships. unable to appeal for protection from law enforcement and the courts for fear of deportation. I have introduced H.R. 3188. the Immigrant Victims of Violence Protection Act. which will allow them to safely escape their abusers without fear of deportation or other negative immigration consequences. This legislation would also provide a safety net for battered legal immigrants and their children by allowing them access to work permits. health insurance. food. and other benefits required to escape their abuser and gain economic independence. It is time that we change attitudes in this country so that violence against women is no longer tolerated. We are devoting extensive resources to ending terror around the world. while at the same time one in four women continue to be terrorized by domestic violence and sexual assault in their lifetime.