congressional_record: CREC-2026-02-23-pt1-PgE152-3
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| CREC-2026-02-23-pt1-PgE152-3 | 2026-02-23 | 119 | 2 | RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE | HOUSE | EXTENSIONS | RECOGNIZING | E152 | E152 | [{"name": "Lloyd Doggett", "role": "speaking"}] | 172 Cong. Rec. E152 | Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E152] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE _____ HON. LLOYD DOGGETT of texas in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a critical national resource that for 30 years has served as a lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic violence and relationship abuse across our country: the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Based in Austin, Texas, in my Congressional district, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is the only national hotline that operates 24/7, responding to all those in the U.S., its territories and military bases across the globe via phone, chat and text. These services are free and confidential. Authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and funded through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the National Domestic Violence Hotline was created to ensure that anyone experiencing relationship abuse would have a safe, confidential place to turn for help. On February 21, 1996, the National Domestic Violence Hotline answered its very first call--marking the beginning of a national commitment to listening to survivors, offering support without judgment, and helping people see pathways to safety and healing. Since that first call, The Hotline has served more than 7.8 million people through phone, chat and text--each contact representing courage, resilience and hope. Its highly trained advocates provide compassionate support, personalized safety planning, and connections to local resources, responding to thousands of contacts each day as the demand for services continues to grow. Thirty years later, The Hotline continues to experience incredibly high demand for its services. Every day, The Hotline receives nearly 3,000 calls from those needing crisis support and a path to safety--demand for services has more than doubled during the past decade. As the needs of survivors have evolved, The Hotline has implemented responsible, survivor-centered technology innovations--including expanded chat and text services and improved resource navigation to increase access, reduce barriers, and better meet demand nationwide. This 30-year milestone is not a celebration of the continued prevalence of domestic violence. The ongoing need for a national hotline is a sobering reminder that relationship abuse affects millions of people across every community, demographic, and geography. Survivors, particularly those from marginalized communities, often face compounded barriers to safety and support, and too many endure abuse in silence. But the courage of survivors is something worthy of recognition. Every day, individuals reach out to The Hotline, often for the first time, taking a brave step toward safety, healing, and freedom. The Hotline bears witness to that courage by offering hope, validation and practical support in moments of crisis. In addition to its core hotline services, The Hotline operates the National Dating Abuse Helpline, which provides 24/7/365 chat, text and phone support to help teens and young adults experiencing abuse or unhealthy dating situations. The Hotline also runs love is respect, a program dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering young people facing abusive or unhealthy relationships. I also wish to recognize the dedicated advocates who staff the National Domestic Violence Hotline and its programs. Their work requires extraordinary compassion, resilience, and skill, as they respond to heart-wrenching calls and messages with care and professionalism. Their commitment saves lives and strengthens families and communities across our Nation. For 30 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has stood as a beacon of hope--answering the call when it matters most. As we mark this 30th anniversary, we honor the survivors who inspire this work, the advocates who make it possible, and the enduring mission to ensure that everyone can live a life free from violence. ____________________ |