| Sponsor | Rep. Green, Al |
| Committee | Education and Labor |
| Date | October 26, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session) |
| Staff Contact | Adam Hepburn |
H.Res. 817 is expected to be considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Al Green (D-TX) on October 8, 2009.
H.Res. 817 resolves that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and
• "Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities, and support programs designed to end domestic violence."
According to the resolution's findings, one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their life. Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, and engage in teenage prostitution. A 2008 National Census Survey reported that 60,799 adults and children were served by domestic violence shelters and programs around in the U.S. in a single day.