“We must all do everything possible to reduce domestic violence in America, as well as to end the human trafficking of vulnerable girls and young women. Sexual trafficking is modern-day slavery, and this scourge, along with domestic violence, must be eradicated before further harm is done in our communities, our Nation, and worldwide. Madam Speaker, young girls and women deserve better. We must do better”, said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen.
On October 23, 2013 Rep. Ileana Ros – Lehtinen asked for permission to address the United States House of Representatives for one minute regarding violence against women and the tragedy of human sex trafficking.
“Madam Speaker, October is a time to highlight the corrosive effects that domestic violence has on our country and to remind our fellow citizens of the work that still needs to be done to reduce and, indeed, eliminate violence against women and girls.”
“Earlier this year, I was proud to support the bipartisan efforts to pass the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act. One of the new provisions included in this bill will open up funding for organizations that provide employment placement and training programs for domestic violence victims. I would like to highlight the work of Second Chance Employment Services, the first and only nonprofit in the United States that focuses exclusively on empowering women by helping them find stable jobs. Dr. Ludy Green is the founder of Second Chance, and this organization and many others like it promote financial security for at-risk women. I believe that employment is a key component needed to break the cycle of violence that plagues too many women in too many homes in too many neighborhoods”, she said.
“I acknowledge the work that Ludy and so many do each and every day to make a positive difference in the lives of women, and I will continue to support their work. We must all do everything possible to reduce domestic violence in America, as well as to end the human trafficking of vulnerable girls and young women. Sexual trafficking is modern-day slavery, and this scourge, along with domestic violence, must be eradicated before further harm is done in our communities, our Nation, and worldwide. Madam Speaker, young girls and women deserve better. We must do better”, said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen (source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov).
Rep. Ros Lehtinen serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and is the Chair of the International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee. She is a powerful advocate for women in Congress.