| Ever since 1987, October has been the month for | | | | Domestic violence and abuse is a real problem that |
| raising awareness about domestic violence. And with | | | | must be dealt with. We need a president who takes |
| the upcoming election in November, what better time | | | | this issue seriously and makes a stand against abuse. |
| to discuss the candidates and their stance on this | | | | Barack Obama has showed his concern for domestic |
| issue. | | | | violence victims by co-sponsoring the Violence |
| First, let me run some numbers by you: | | | | Against Women Act (VAWA). In fact, his running |
| Did you know that each year, approximately 1.3 | | | | mate, Joe Biden, is the one responsible for authoring |
| million women are assaulted by a partner? 1 in 6 | | | | VAWA. This act combats domestic violence by |
| women have been raped in their lifetime. If that | | | | mandating punishment for violent acts committed |
| doesn't shock you, maybe the dollar signs will. Do you | | | | against women, including domestic violence, support |
| know how much domestic violence costs in the U.S.? | | | | for female victims of crime, funding for organizations |
| $37 billion a year. This amount includes the costs of | | | | involved in helping victims, such as shelters, and other |
| investigations of murders and the treatment of | | | | provisions as well. |
| injuries incurred by the violence. | | | | I want someone in charge who knows how to take |
| Do you know what this tells me? That domestic | | | | charge and tackle the problems our country is facing, |
| violence is a major problem in our country today. But | | | | domestic violence being one of them. There are |
| people aren't aware of what a problem it is, because | | | | many issues at stake here, and this one should not |
| it isn't talked about much. Which is exactly why we | | | | be overlooked. Obama and Biden have not only |
| need to raise awareness. | | | | raised awareness in our government and across our |
| Domestic violence is so prevalent in today's society, | | | | country about violence against women, but also |
| and something must be done about it. I want a | | | | played an active role in fighting violence. This year, |
| president who understands the real problems in our | | | | the democratic party definitely has my vote. |
| country and who will take steps to correct them. | | | | |