Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, March 20, 2002

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Soft* 304 Lutbwvitlo, Morylond 21093 315 Cannon Houm Office Building Wadiington, D C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, March 20, 2002 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Announces Violence Against Women Prevention Grant WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) announced the State of Maryland will receive a $2.45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Program. Congressman Ehrlich stated, "Domestic violence is a serious problem which cuts across all ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines. With an estimated one million women as its victims, domestic violence is a public issue which cannot be ignored. Tragically, many women never report their abuse, and their cries go unheard." The S.T.O.P. Program encourages states and localities to develop and implement effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to address violent crimes against women. It envisions a partnership amongst law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim advocacy organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their crimes. Congressman Ehrlich consistently fights for initiatives that will crack down on domestic violence. Since joining Congress in 1995, he has voted for annual funding increases for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In the 106th Congress, Ehrlich actively supported and voted for H.R. 1248, a bill introduced by Congresswomen Connie Morelia (R-MD), to expand programs and services under VAWA. In addition, Congressman Ehrlich joined with other Members of Congress to embrace the National Call to Protect Program. This five-year old program, a partnership between the Wireless Foundation, Motorola and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, utilizes preprogrammed cellular phones to help known victims of domestic violence call “911" anywhere at anytime.