New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is held annually during the month of October:

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to become more conscious of the silent suffering of victims of domestic violence that devastates individuals, families, and communities.  With nearly 5.3 million domestic violence incidents each year, this is a serious problem we must address as a society.

Domestic violence comes in many forms outside of just physical abuse. There is an increasing frequency of economic abuse that is out of the public eye and is often overlooked. Economic abuse involves the use of finances to control a victim's ability to go about life. Even though domestic violence can happen to anyone, the majority of the incidences are against women.

Studies show that one in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Despite the clear evidence showcasing the need for legislation that would aid women and children caught in domestic violence situations, Republicans have voted 55 times against bills that would expand resolutions to help victims since taking control of the House in 2010. In fact the GOP's version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) actually harms women by making it harder for immigrant, Native American, and LGBT victims of domestic violence to get their due recourse against their aggressors  three of the biggest groups that comprise domestic violence victims overall. 

Finding solutions to combat violence against women should not be a partisan issue.  We must work together to pass Rep. Gwen Moore’s (D-WI) Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 (H.R. 4271).  It is important that we foster an environment where women do not fear to leave an abusive situation for income, employment, or financial reasons."

The New York City Domestic Violence Hotline has trained counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week free of charge. They can be reached at: (800) 621-HOPE.