Assemblywoman Fiona Ma: Sacramento

Break the Silence on Violence

Until recently, domestic violence was largely considered a "private matter." It wasn't until the early '70s that domestic violence was viewed as a serious social problem. Today, we know that domestic violence is a public-health epidemic that can affect us all.

According to the California Department of Justice, there are, on average, more than 600 incidents of domestic violence reported every day in California. Domestic violence can affect anyone - it knows no zip code, race, sex, age or creed. In addition to the enormous physical and psychological effect on the victim and the victim's family and friends, there are job-related consequences as well. Domestic violence is the number-one cause of injury to women and it costs American businesses between $3 billion and $5 billion a year in absenteeism, medical costs, employee turnover and lost productivity.

As chair of the Select Committee on Domestic Violence, I've convened several hearings to raise awareness of domestic violence. Hearing topics have ranged from the effects of domestic violence on children to domestic violence in the LGBT community. The work of this committee has led not only to new legislative ideas, but also public awareness surrounding this very important issue.

Each October, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) sponsors, along with many law enforcement and health organizations throughout California, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with activities to increase public understanding of this terrible crime.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first "Day of Unity," which was observed by the coalition in 1981. The intent was to establish a nationwide connection of battered women's advocates working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week, with a whole range of activities conducted at local, state and national levels.

This October I encourage you to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month and spread awareness because domestic violence is much more than a "private matter." We must all participate in the effort to create zero-tolerance for domestic violence in California. To find out about Domestic Violence Awareness Month events happening in your area, visit http://dvam.vawnet.org. If you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you want to report someone who is a victim of domestic violence, call the 24-hour-a-day toll-free national hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TDD).

Halloween Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control

With Halloween just around the corner, it is important to remember that everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween. Using safety tips can help you make the most of your Halloween season, by keeping it as enjoyable for your kids as it is for you!

Going trick-or-treating? Remember: Swords, knives, and costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible; avoid trick-or-treating alone; fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you; examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them; hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you; always test make-up in a small area first; look both ways before crossing the street; only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe; wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls; eat only factory-wrapped treats; enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult; never walk near lit candles or luminaries and wear flame-resistant costumes.

For more information, go to the website at www.cdc.gov/family/halloween.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma is the speaker pro tempore at the California Assembly.