Domestic Violence

·         Over the past 16 years, my work in politics has been committed to providing a voice to the voiceless and to people denied justice.

·         I was excited to see Donna Edwards win the Democratic nomination for Congress in Maryland’s 4^th District for many reasons. One is her commitment over the past 20 years as a volunteer advocate and national leader working to end domestic violence. I am thrilled at the prospect of working with her to help pursue federal legislation to address domestic violence and to improve our national awareness of the problem.

·         There is a role for the federal government on this issue. In 2005, Congress reauthorized The Violence Against Women Act by broadening its service provisions to include teenagers and children. The Act created the first federal funding for rape crisis centers, gave protection to tenants from unfair eviction due to their status as victims of stalking or domestic violence, enhanced programs and services for victims with disabilities, and provided for the development of strategies to stop violence before it occurs.

·         I want to explore what more can be done at the federal level. For example, we should consider a national standardized system for creating and enforcing personal protection and restraining orders.