Crapo Calls Angie Leon, Cassie DehlNational Models In Domestic Violence Fight

Washington, DC - Idahoans and all Americans can and must do a better job recognizing and preventing domestic violence, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo told a national conference today in Washington, DC. Crapo was the lead speaker at the convention sponsored by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, which is attended by domestic violence prevention volunteers and organizers from across the country. â??About one and one-half million women are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner every year in our country, and unfortunately these numbers are only an amplification of what occurs in my home state of Idaho,â?? Crapo said. â??The death of Angie Leon in Caldwell, Idaho in May of last year is one example of this widespread problem in our communities. Angie, a young mother, was killed in front of her children by her estranged husband. He was released from custody and committed another act of violence. The system failed Angie Leon.â??Crapo added legislation alone cannot end domestic violence. â??We must encourage and empower those who need to change their own behavior, to take the initiative, have the courage to be honest with themselves, and seek help,â?? Crapo added. â??We need to communicate the message to these individuals that if they donâ??t take these important steps, the effects of their abusive behavior will hurt their children and grandchildren. We all need to educate the general public to the message that every single person can do something to reduce and stop domestic violence.â?? Crapo has sponsored several legislative efforts to stop domestic violence, including increasing funding for rape investigations and shelters for women and children. He won Congressional approval for a law modeled after Idahoâ??s Cassie Dehl with the â??Cassieâ??s Lawâ?? that initiated federal assistance for the first time for women in dating relationships. Crapo is also appearing in a statewide television campaign against domestic violence this summer in Idaho. Crapoâ??s remarks before the National Network are available today via satellite:1:45-2:15 p.m. Mountain Time / 12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Pacific C-Band, Galaxy 3, Transponder 7 Horizontal, Downlink Frequency 3840, Standard AudioA radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267, Ext. 327 or at http://src.senate/gov/radio/ # # #