On May 5, a diverse group of fathers, brothers, and friends gathered in Washington, D.C. to speak out against domestic violence and to urge Congress to increase federal funding for violence prevention programs. Mark Wellstone, son of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, represented the Sheila Wellstone Institute at the Founding Fathers event. He was joined by a host of other prominent speakers, including New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre's, wife, Ali Torre, Jerry Rossi, CEO of HomeGoods and Larry McClure of Liz Claiborne, Inc.
Organized by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the Founding Fathers event brought national attention to domestic violence and the Violence Against Women Act with a Congressional briefing sponsored by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Orin Hatch (R-UT), and Arlen Specter (R-PA).
The 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was landmark legislation for advocates in the field of domestic violence. Though the legislation made significant strides to ensuring protection for victims of domestic violence, it did not include provisions for funding of prevention programs or programs that would assist children who have witnessed domestic violence. Congress will reauthorize VAWA in 2005, and Mark Wellstone joined the other speakers in highlighting the importance of prevention programs in the new bill.
In 2001, Paul Wellstone introduced the Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Protection Act. This bill would have provided funding for services for children who have witnessed violence. Provisions of the Wellstone's Children Who Witness Violence bill will be included in the proposed reauthorization. Mark said, "my Mom and Dad came to realize that if we are to end domestic violence, we must help children and families heal - and prevent the violence from happening in the future."
Mark Wellstone and the Sheila Wellstone Institute are committed to fulfilling Paul and Sheila's goal of ensuring that children who witness domestic violence receive the support they need in order to become healthy, non-violent adults.
For more information on the Founding Father's campaign and how to become involved CLICK HERE!
