Crapo Receives Top Honor from National Anti-Violence Group

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will receive the highest leadership award given by the nation's largest advocacy group seeking to stop domestic violence during a ceremony tonight in Washington, D.C. Each year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) honors one member of the U.S. Senate and one member of the U.S. House of Representatives with its Visionary Leadership Award. Crapo will be honored with Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin).

"You are a remarkable leader in the Senate on issues of domestic and dating violence and there are many reasons why you are our choice for this award," wrote Sue Else, President of the NNEDV, in a letter informing Crapo of the leadership award.  The organization noted Crapo's Senate leadership in protecting funding for victims under the Crime Victims Act, a funding source obtained from perpetrators of crime that Congress regularly seeks to use for other purposes. "Your leadership on the Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act of 2009 will ensure a steady annual distribution of funding …. and your annual work to encourage your colleagues to support increased funding for the Violence Against Women Act has helped to secure steady increases in funding."

Crapo has worked on domestic violence issues, both inside and outside of Congress, including partnering with the Liz Claiborne Foundation, to raise awareness about teen dating violence. He worked with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (ICASDV) on radio and television campaigns to promote awareness of these issues in Idaho. Crapo's Senate Resolution declaring October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month received the full support of the Senate, this year and last.

"By working together, we can all raise awareness and help prevent domestic violence," Crapo said. "But it is an ongoing battle. Preventing domestic violence must start early by promoting positive and safe dating relationships. Dating violence is a horrendous epidemic in this country - where one in every three teenagers reports experiencing physical or emotional abuse in a relationship."

Around 250 guests, including survivors of domestic violence, victim advocates and business leaders from across the country will attend tonight's awards ceremonies at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Among those attending is Kelly Miller, Executive Director for ICASDV, who will introduce Crapo.

"The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence has partnered with Senator Crapo for more than a decade in the effort to stop violence against women, children and other victims of domestic violence and abuse," Miller said. "Senator Crapo led the effort in Idaho and in the Congress to get victims of teen dating federal assistance for the first time under 'Cassie's Law,' named for Cassie Dehl of Idaho, who died in an accident following an abusive relationship."