Speech #1090083132

Black and Asian Pacific American Caucuses ("Congressional TriCaucus") continue to work together to address issues that disproportionately affect people of color. Last month. the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault. in collaboration with the Congressional TriCaucus. held an educational briefing about the needs of victims of color and the importance of culturallyspecific messaging that ultimately provides a more comprehensive response to addressing domestic violence. sexual assault. stalking. and dating violence in racial and ethnic communities. The needs of immigrant women are also important to consider. Although VAWA 1994 and 2000 made significant progress in reducing violence against immigrant women. many women and children who are victims ot domestic violence. sexual assault. child abuse. or trafficking are still being deported. Others remain economically trapped by abusers or traffickers in lifethreatening environments. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3188. the Immigration Victims of Violence Protection Act. which would stop the deportation of immigrant victims of violence. extend immigration relief to all victims of family violence. and guarantee economic security for immigrant victims and their children. Domestic violence is not solely a womans issueit is also a health. social. economic. and criminal justice issue. and must be addressed on multiple levels. We must all do our part to prevent and address violence in our homes. in our communities. and in our society in order to build a safe and healthy nation.