On behalf of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard who needed to remain in Washington D.C. while Congress was in session, Lisa Roybal Elliott – the congresswoman’s daughter – proudly accepted the 2007 Spirit of Courage and Resilience Award from the East Los Angeles Women’s Center for the congresswoman’s efforts to help survivors of domestic violence. The congresswoman’s efforts include authorship of the SAFE Act in Congress, which would help victims of domestic violence to retain the financial independence necessary for them to leave their abusers by providing for emergency leave and unemployment compensation. The bill also prohibits employers and insurance agencies from discriminating against an individual because they are a victim of domestic violence. One of the provisions of the original SAFE Act — the creation of a national workplace resource center—has already been signed into law as part of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization in 2005. The resource center will help businesses develop and implement policies, guidelines, and plans to make their workplaces safer and more productive while supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. The congresswoman also received a certificate of achievement from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The congresswoman honored the center’s work with a certificate recognizing the organization’s 30 years of service to the Latino community of Los Angeles. More than 250 guests attended the ceremony held at the Autry National Center in Griffith Park on Western Heritage Way. Based in East Los Angeles, the center offers crisis intervention, prevention, education, and advocacy with a focus on sexual and domestic violence and HIV/AIDS. The center’s community-based program services are provided by certified bilingual professional staff and trained volunteers. In addition, the center’s 24-hour crisis hotline has provided more than 25 years of continuous hotline services to survivors of rape and sexual assault throughout Los Angeles County.

The full text of the remarks made by Lisa Roybal Elliott on behalf of her mother, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, appears below:

“It is truly a pleasure to be here this evening and be a part of this important milestone for the East Los Angeles Women’s Center.

My mother, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, had hoped to be able to join you, but unfortunately voting in the House of Representatives kept her in Washington. On her behalf, I congratulate the founders and the inspirational staff of the Center on your 30th anniversary. My mother was very touched to be given this recognition from those who she considers the real heroes in our struggle to protect, counsel, and empower women in crisis.

The East Los Angeles Women’s Center has built a 30 year legacy of service, focusing on the self-empowerment of women through quality bilingual counseling, crisis intervention, community awareness programs, and HIV/AIDS education services.

The Center and its staff have provided hope, fostering a vital sense of self worth to women in our community who are survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

As many of you know, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is an outspoken advocate for raising awareness about violence against women. She has worked in the House of Representatives in support of a legislative agenda that addresses the unique circumstances that the women you serve face in America today.

In order to empower victims to escape the cycle of violence, my mother is the author of the Security and Financial Empowerment or SAFE Act. The SAFE Act, which the congresswoman will soon reintroduce in the 110th Congress, ensures that victims of domestic violence can retain the financial independence necessary for them to leave their abusers by providing for emergency leave and unemployment compensation. The bill also prohibits employers and insurance agencies from discriminating against an individual because they are a victim of domestic violence.

One of the provisions of the original SAFE Act — the creation of a national workplace resource center—has already been signed into law as part of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization in 2005. The resource center will help businesses develop and implement policies, guidelines, and plans to make their workplaces safer and more productive while supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence.

My mother looks forward to continue working with all of you and with the East Los Angeles Women’s Center to make our city and the nation a better and safer place for all women and their families to live and prosper.

Again, congratulations on this 30th Anniversary milestone. You make a tremendous difference in the lives of women in our community. On behalf of my mother, thank you so much for this recognition.”
 

-- ### --