Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement today in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed in October:

"For far too long, domestic violence has torn families apart, affected whole communities, and subjected millions of women, children, and men to the constant threat of bodily harm in their own homes. This has got to stop. We must continue to come together, as one people, to condemn, disown, and reject this violence. That's what Domestic Violence Awareness Month is all about. To honor how far we have come − it is, after all, the 15th anniversary of the historic Violence Against Women Act − but also, to keep in mind all that we have left to do.

Domestic violence largely targets our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters, and it must be met with zero tolerance. This is not a private, family matter. This is a law enforcement matter. And the perpetrators of these crimes must be punished and held accountable for their actions and the pernicious physical, psychological, and emotional consequences they impart.

This is also a moment for contemplation. The numbers are sobering: One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence over the course of her lifetime. That's 1.3 million women this year who will live in fear of physical abuse. We must and can do better to encourage and uplift battered women, celebrate those courageous survivors who make it through, and seek justice before the law when these crimes occur.

Domestic violence is a community problem, and we will combat it together, as one, united American family."

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