Ehrlich on Washington column, October 18, 1999

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 315 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 21093 Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of October 25, 1 999 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. CALL TO PROTECT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Domestic Violence. These words alone cause most of us to shake our heads in disbelief. How can a person physically, and in some cases, mentally abuse another they purport to love? Yet, every year the Department of Justice estimates one million women are victims of domestic violence. Tragically, even more cries remain unheard as many of these cases are never reported. In years past, some people, including those in our judicial system, viewed domestic violence as a "personal" or "family" matter that should be resolved behind closed doors. As we have found over the years, however, domestic violence is a public issue which can no longer be ignored. Moreover, domestic violence cuts across all ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines, so we are all susceptible to this national problem. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time, it is important that all Americans reflect on ways to prevent and resolve an issue that damages families and destroys lives. In many cases when a spouse, or ex-spouse, is abused, the natural response is to excuse the behavior and refuse enforcement assistance and/or any medical treatment. Unfortunately, the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that during the six months following an episode of domestic violence, 32% of battered women are victimized again. In addition, more than 1/з of Americans have witnessed an incident of domestic violence. Such high percentages indicate the need for family, friends, and institutional intervention to educate women that such behavior will not be accepted in our society. This is imperative if we are to protect the victims and their children.