Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek today issued the following statement recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

"Domestic violence, a widespread tragedy that indiscriminately affects families of all races and classes, is a serious crime that has no social barriers. From our own family members to medical professionals to educators to law enforcement officers to community/clergy leaders—we must all work together to ensure that we are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of domestic violence and, in turn, prevent the crime from continuing throughout our communities."

"I have seen firsthand the impact this issue has on individuals in urban and rural areas alike. Domestic violence crosses economic lines, geographic lines and ethnic lines. In 2008, Miami-Dade and Broward County had a total of 18,312 reported domestic violence cases varying from offenses such as aggravated assault to stalking to forcible rape. With so many of these unsettling offenses taking place in my District, I will continue to ensure that significant progress is being made on this issue during my tenure in Congress. It is vital that we direct attention to domestic violence and assure that there are available resources to assist victims and families in recovering from these abuses. We must combat this continuous plague that wreaks havoc on our increasingly-stressed health care network, our over-flowing criminal justice system, and our day-to-day life within our communities."

"Florida's county and jurisdictional domestic violence offenses in 2008 totaled an unfortunate 113,123 cases. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month should remind us to continue ensuring that Federal grants made under the Violence Against Women Act go towards essential shelter operations and support services. Moreover, we must ensure that shelters and crisis centers receive sufficient funding to provide this safety net to some of our most vulnerable citizens".

"It is essential that we not only draw attention to domestic violence this month, but continue making progress on this devastating problem so that it will no longer affect our communities and families. As we remember the victims of domestic violence, we must learn from their courage and work to assure that our communities are safe places to live, work, and raise our families. In Florida and throughout our nation, education, enforcement and support are the keys to solving and breaking the cycle of domestic violence."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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