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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 160 (Thursday, October 2, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H10686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

               NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, many things are going on in our 
country tonight and this week, and the Congress faces difficult 
decisions. But the death of a son or daughter, a family member, all 
these other things can pale in the tragedy that encounters many 
families across this country.
  Tonight, I want to recognize the month of October as ``National 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month.'' Most years that I've been in 
Congress I have come to the floor in October to try to raise the 
awareness of the death and violence that occurs in our homes across 
America. I think significant progress has been made in calling the 
attention to domestic violence and helping victims and families recover 
from abuse; however, so much remains to be done because senseless acts 
of violence are still taking place in homes and communities across 
America.
  Tragically, I was reminded of the need for greater efforts to combat 
domestic violence this past July when tragedy struck in my home State 
of Kansas. Tonight, I'd like to share with you the story of Jana Lynne 
Mackey.
  On July 20, 1982, Jana was born in Harper, Kansas. Jana was raised 
primarily in my hometown of Hays, Kansas, where she was an active 
member of 4-H, an athlete, and a very talented musician; but most of 
all, she was a vibrant and caring young woman who fought for those 
whose voices would not otherwise be heard.
  Following high school graduation, Jana completed a bachelor's degree 
where she discovered her passion, advocating for those who needed her 
help. She went on to pursue a law degree at the University of Kansas 
with the goal of using that education to further the cause of others.
  Jana tirelessly fought for equality and social justice through her 
many local and national organizations that she belonged to and worked 
for. She was an active volunteer in the Lawrence Safe Center, a 
facility that aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. But 
on July 3, 2008, Jana's body was discovered in an ex-boyfriend's home. 
Her own promising life prematurely ended at the age of 25 by an act of 
domestic violence.
  All too often, we think domestic violence doesn't occur in our own 
communities or to people that we know or families that we care about, 
but Jana's story is evidence that no State, no community, no family is 
immune to the far-reaching presence of domestic violence.

                              {time}  1915

  Domestic violence is a problem that does not discriminate on race, 
gender, age group, education, or social status. It wreaks havoc on our 
increasingly stressed health care network, our overflowing criminal 
justice system, and, of course, on our daily lives.
  Domestic violence continues to impact communities in Kansas and 
across America. Each year nearly 4 million new incidents of domestic 
violence are reported in the United States. Of those 4 million cases, 
nearly 100,000 Kansas women fall victim to domestic violence each year. 
Each day in America, over 53,000 victims receive care through domestic 
violence programs, the programs that Jana volunteered and advocated 
for.
  Despite the harsh realities, there is hope for tomorrow. It's my 
belief that with continued education, resources, and support, the 
victims of domestic violence can overcome their condition. In the 69 
counties I represent, it's the same belief that maintains and 
encourages the nine domestic violence centers in that district. These 
agencies are vital to our communities as they raise awareness, advocate 
for victims, and provide support to those victims with resources and 
the care they so desperately need.
  Jana made a greater impact in her 25 years than many individuals do 
in a lifetime. And while Jana's story is tragic, her example is a 
lesson and an inspiration for all of us to be more active in the fight 
against violence. This is why her family started the 1100 Torches 
campaign.
  At Jana's funeral 1,100 people were in attendance, which indicates 
the magnitude of the impact of her live on others. In the aftermath of 
her death, her mother, Christie Brungardt, and her stepfather, Curt, 
along with family and friends launched the 1100 Torches campaign to 
serve as Jana's call to action; that despite our personal politics, we 
can make a difference in the world and in turn make it a better place 
to live. It is the campaign's hope that through Jana's story, 1,100 
people will be inspired by her to serve others and to make a difference 
in their communities. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to 
learn about Jana's story and the impact of domestic violence by 
visiting the 1100 Torches campaign Web site at www.1100torches.org and 
by learning more about this issue in your local community.
  We're making progress and drawing attention to domestic violence this 
month in October; yet this problem continues to impact our communities 
and their families. We must not forget about those violent crimes that 
destroy homes and families and devastate lives. This October let us 
remember the victims of domestic violence and learn from their courage 
as we do our best to ensure that our communities are safe places to 
live, to work, and to raise our families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for continued support and assistance of domestic 
violence prevention programs, and tonight I pay tribute to the young 
life of Jana Mackey.

                          ____________________
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