Pelosi Statement on Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October:

"Freedom from fear and abuse is a basic human right. Yet it is estimated that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Millions of women will confront these violent acts this year. Domestic violence terrorizes women, children, and men in homes across America – and we must not allow it to continue.

"Every victim of domestic violence deserves a Congress committed to fighting for them. Last year, however, House Republicans refused to pass a strong reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act for 17 months, voting to exclude LGBT, immigrant and Native American women from its essential protections.

"We must stand together as one nation committed to preventing and ending domestic violence. Each and every victim deserves our support. There can be no excuses, and we must all do our part to raise awareness of this cancer in our communities. As we mark this Domestic Violence Awareness month, let us renew our determination to end domestic violence once and for all."

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