Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards' Statement for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) released the following statement in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"Nearly one year ago, I called attention to the undeniable fact that the current health care system was failing victims of domestic violence. At the time, eight states identified domestic violence as a pre-existing medical condition, allowing insurance companies to deny coverage and re-victimizing survivors of domestic violence. If the unfair practices of labeling domestic violence, pregnancy, and caesarian sections as pre-existing conditions were allowed to continue, millions of women would continue to be excluded from receiving health care coverage.

"Since that time, we have made unprecedented strides to reduce health insurance disparities for women. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, my colleagues and I in Congress delivered historic health care reform that eliminates exclusions based on pre-existing conditions, abolishes gender disparities, and ends co-payments and deductibles for preventive care. This is a victory for women in Maryland's 4th Congressional District and all across the country. No longer will women be excluded from the coverage they deserve and be forced to suffer as a result for being pregnant or a victim of domestic violence.

"While this progress is encouraging, we must remain focused on addressing the high incidents of domestic violence. Each year in this country, nearly two million women of all races, incomes, education levels and religions experience domestic violence -- one in four women in the United States will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness month this October, let us draw strength from the accomplishments of the past year to continue working together in an ongoing effort to improve the lives of mothers, daughters, and sisters experiencing domestic violence."

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.

Rep. Edwards is a co-founder of the National Network to End Domestic Violence and was instrumental in passing the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. This landmark legislation provides federal funding for programs and services assisting victims of domestic and sexual violence.