[Page H8708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mrs. LESKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise in observance of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month.
  Over 25 years ago, I was in an abusive relationship with my ex-
husband. I became a single mother to a young daughter, working just to 
survive day to day. I never dreamed in a million years that I would be 
standing here before you today as a Member of Congress, speaking on the 
floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. But I not only survived, I 
thrived.
  I share my story in hopes of helping others. I hope they find 
strength in our efforts to acknowledge their suffering and recognize 
the many organizations that exist to help them today.

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