Washington, D.C. (Oct. 14, 2004) - Imagine a single day where women and men, teenage girls and boys, grandmothers and grandsons turn to each other and actually talk about a problem that by its nature, makes people uncomfortable: domestic violence.

Sabrina De Santiago, a legislative assistant to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, speaks at a briefing on Capitol Hill about a measure the congresswoman authored called "The Security and Financial Empowerment Act." The measure would enable victims of domestic violence to qualify for unemployment benefits and to take unpaid leave from work to obtain legal assistance, medical care or to address other immediate needs without the fear of being fired.

Marie Claire and Liz Claiborne Inc. have designated October 14 "It's Time to Talk" Day in hopes of raising awareness of this pervasive social issue. And in support of "It's Time to Talk" Day, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) and the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues co-hosted a congressional briefing earlier today to raise awareness about domestic violence, and to give an update on the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act introduced by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard in October 2003.

One of the leading proponents of domestic violence prevention and assistance, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is urging her colleagues to address this crime.

"The Security and Financial Empowerment Act would help provide the financial security a victim of domestic violence needs to escape her abuser," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said. "Victims of domestic violence should not be forced to place themselves in further jeopardy - or fail to seek help - because they fear losing the income they need to care for themselves and their children. Under my bill, should a victim of domestic abuse be forced to leave a job because of the violence, the person would be entitled to unemployment benefits. They would also be able to take time off from work to obtain legal assistance, medical care or to address other immediate needs without the fear of being fired."

In addition to a legislative update provided by a legislative staff member from the Office of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, presentations were also given at the briefing by Julia Savacool, senior editor of Marie Claire magazine, and Dana Stambaugh, manager of corporate communications for Liz Claiborne Inc. Both organizations are dedicated to ending domestic violence.

"Nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Yet as a pervasive social issue that constantly manifests itself in popular culture, domestic violence is rarely talked about in the media unless it pertains to an incident that makes headlines," Julia Savacool said.

According to an August 2004 Gallup poll conducted by Marie Claire magazine, 82 percent of American women consider violence against women a top concern-above improved education, above child safety, above environmental damage.

"Relationship violence is a national tragedy that remains mostly hidden behind closed doors," remarked Dana Stambaugh. "Police, women's shelters and government officials alone cannot prevent abuse, but by reaching out to media personalities,

Pictured from left to right following a legislative briefing about domestic violence, Sabrina De Santiago, legislative assistant to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Dana Stambaugh of Liz Claiborne; Julia Savacool of Marie Claire magazine; and Sheryl Cates of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

domestic violence advocates, businesses and the public-at-large, we hope to start a national dialogue that leads to new legislation and better workplace policies designed to protect victims of domestic violence."

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which seeks to improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women, was also a topic of discussion at the briefing.

"With important legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act coming up for reauthorization in 2005, it's critical that members of Congress work together to change negative attitudes and behaviors that create an environment conducive to domestic violence," said Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues along with Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

Congresswoman Capito added, "This briefing was a call-to-action designed to encourage our colleagues to speak openly about the issue as an important first step toward prevention. However, there needs to be an ongoing campaign throughout the year if we ever hope to end this cycle of violence."

In addition to the Congressional briefing in Washington , DC , a number of domestic violence organizations and police departments around the country held events to commemorate "It's Time to Talk" Day. A complete list of national events, along with additional information on the campaign, is available online at www.loveisnotabuse.com/itstimetotalk.