Domestic Violence continues to be a widespread and often un-reported crime in the United States. Thanks to organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the National Task Force to End Violence Against Women, more and more people are beginning to become involved in working towards an end to this heart-breaking crime.

The National Task Force to End Violence Against Women has a new website, and there are regular legislative updates posted there. Click here to visit The National Task Force to End Violence Against Women

The Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Protection Act of 1999 (S.1321) was recently passed as part of the Senate's Crime, Justice and State Appropriations bill. Senators Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the legislation aimed at protecting the youngest victims of domestic violence. The "Children Who Witness" legislation included many of the same provisions as Title II of the Violence Against Women Act of 1999 (H.R. 357) as well as authorization for new grant programs.

The bill provides for training for child welfare workers and police officers; training for elementary and secondary school officials in recognizing and meeting the needs of children and teenagers who are either witnessing or experiencing domestic violence in their homes or relationships. Funds are also made available for partnership-building between domestic violence service agencies and child welfare agencies, as well as funds for the creation of supervised visitation centers and crisis nurseries for victims of child abuse.

Even though these efforts are to be applauded and are greatly appreciated, we need more. The mission to end domestic violence will not be over until there is no more domestic violence.

My firstborn child, Lauren, celebrated her 22nd birthday on February 17, 1999. She is the reason I'm writing this column. Lauren was violently murdered by her husband on April 13, 1999. If you would like to know more about my beloved Lauren, you can visit the memorial web site I've made for her by clicking on the button below:

Click on the oval above, to read Lauren's story.

If you know anyone who is in a relationship involving Domestic Violence, please urge them to get out of that situation as quickly as they can. There are safe houses -- places of refuge -- in most communities across the United States. listing agencies offering help for victims of readily available, you can call the 1-800-799-7233 These hotlines are open 24 hours a day, and are staffed by trained volunteers who can tell you where to go for help.

The links below can direct you to centers near you which provide assistance to domestic violence victims.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Call: 1-800-799-SAFE
  TDD for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-787-3224

• State Domestic Violence Coalitions

• Violence Against Women Office