WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Thursday, October 20, 2011:

"Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we have made great progress to strike down domestic violence in our homes.  However every 9 seconds in America a woman is assaulted or beaten, and up to 10 million of our children witness some form of domestic violence annually. This is unacceptable; we must continue to make efforts as a society to ensure that no woman, man or child has to live with the fear of mental and physical abuse.  

The statistics of domestic violence in our country is alarming: In New York State alone, 85% of the victims of domestic violence in 2010 were women.  In the same year, 75 victims across the state lost their lives in the hands of an intimate partner, with almost half of these homicides occurring in New York City and seven of them in Manhattan.   

Many men, who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence, are twice as likely to abuse their own wives, than sons of nonviolent parents.  It is a vicious cycle that must be combated with strict law enforcement and community services.  The perpetrators of these crimes must be punished and held accountable for their actions to the highest degree of the law and their victims protected by the best resources and services available.

While the reality of violence in our own homes is sobering, it is important to be aware of the extreme damage and long-term effects it can inflict on the victims and our community. I urge those who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence reach out to for help available in our community, such as:

Bellevue Hospital Center (212) 562-4141, Harlem Hospital (212) 939-1000 Metropolitan Hospital (212) 423-6262 (all have domestic violence coordinators), the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621-4673 (All languages, 24 Hours, shelter, counseling, legal assistance, benefits) or Safe Horizon (800)-621-HOPE (4673).  Office of the New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., The Harlem Community Justice Center, New York City Family Justice Centers, STEPS to End Family Violence, Sanctuary for Families, FEGS Center for Women & Families, The Harlem Community Office (212) 316-2100,  The New York Latinas Against Domestic Violence (Brides March); and the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence for a full list of city-wide services.  I am grateful to these organizations in our Manhattan Congressional District for providing an outlet and invaluable care to those who may desperately need them.

Do not let shame or fear silence you.   If you are a victim of domestic violence please raise your voice and get help.  We as a community support you.  We will fight domestic violence together.”