Press Releases

Milwaukee Congresswoman Given Visionary Leadership Award by National Network to End Domestic Violence

Washington, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) was honored by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) for her work to end domestic violence and help victims recover.

Congresswoman Moore said, “I am extremely honored to receive this award – but this isn’t a time to celebrate, it’s a time to refocus and redouble our efforts.  We have a real crisis on our hands.  In my state alone, deaths from domestic violence are at the highest in 10 years.  The increased incidence of abuse along with the fact that shelters are operating on shoe-string budgets – fails victims – and we can do better.  Shelters cannot do more with less.  We need to expand services.  We need to give victims and their families a safe place.  And we need to end domestic violence.”

Moore authored bipartisan legislation – The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act -- that would expand and update vital services for victims of domestic violence and their families.  The bill authorizes funding for essential services that help keep shelters open.  It also improves culturally sensitive services and therapy for children to help break the cycle of violence.  She recently appeared on the Dr. Phil show to discuss the need for her legislation, which is currently supported by 119 U.S. Representatives.  Video of her appearance can be seen here. 

Moore has also written legislation to help low-income victims escape domestic violence.  It can be very difficult for any victim to escape an abuser, but that’s especially true for low-income people, who often can be found by their abusers through certain requirements of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.  Her legislation waives some of those requirements to keep victims safe.

Moore also worked to create the Brides Walk – an annual event held in Milwaukee – to help raise awareness of domestic violence in the Latino community.

The awards are given in October to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was also recognized along with the Mary Kay Foundation and SafePlace and the MIJAS Program, a local domestic violence program in Olympia, Wash. 

Photos are available upon request.  More information on the event and awardees can be found here.