A resolution supporting the goals and objectives of Choose Respect Day.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 431
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6929-6930; text: CR S6935)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-01T11:52:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 431) expresses support for the goals and objectives of Choose Respect Day, an annual observance on October 1 aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence). It highlights the prevalence and impacts of domestic violence, encourages cultural change to promote respect in relationships, and ties into Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The resolution builds on the 2022 Choose Respect Act, which promotes safety and respect, especially among young people.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Domestic Violence Statistics and Impacts: The resolution cites data from sources like the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey and Bureau of Justice Statistics, noting that millions experience intimate partner violence annually, including physical violence, rape, stalking, and homicide (e.g., 3 women killed daily by intimate partners). It emphasizes higher risks for certain groups, such as women aged 18-34, American Indian and Alaska Native women (85% lifetime experience), children exposed to violence (15 times more likely to be assaulted later), and links to homelessness, substance use, and health issues.
- Senate's Support and Encouragement: The Senate formally supports Choose Respect Day and urges private citizens, organizations, and federal, state, and local governments to recognize it through proclamations, events, and educational efforts to reduce tolerance of domestic violence.
- Acknowledgment of Key Groups: It honors survivors as "strong, courageous, and resilient" and recognizes the risks faced by law enforcement responding to domestic violence calls.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It references but does not amend the Choose Respect Act (Public Law 117-103, enacted in 2022), which designated October 1 as Choose Respect Day to promote relationship safety.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: May increase public awareness of domestic violence, encourage education on healthy relationships (especially for adolescents and young adults), and support survivors by validating their experiences, potentially leading to more reporting or seeking help.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local entities to participate in awareness activities, which could foster coordination on prevention programs without mandating new funding or actions.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. issues.
- Overall, the resolution's symbolic nature could indirectly promote cultural shifts toward intolerance of abuse, but it lacks enforcement mechanisms.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and Survivors: Women, men, children, and specific groups like American Indian and Alaska Native communities, who may benefit from heightened awareness and support.
- Families and Children: Those exposed to domestic violence, facing risks of future victimization, homelessness, or health issues.
- Law Enforcement and First Responders: Acknowledged for their dangers in handling volatile situations.
- Government and Organizations: Federal, state, local entities, nonprofits, and educators encouraged to promote the day through activities.
- General Public: Especially young adults, urged to "choose respect" in relationships to prevent violence.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution (agreed to by the Senate on October 3, 2025, without House involvement), it has no legal force or binding effect; it's a formal statement of opinion rather than enforceable law.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on social issues under the First Amendment but does not infringe on rights or create mandates.
- Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Senators Sullivan and Schiff), it signals congressional consensus on addressing domestic violence as a public health and safety priority, potentially influencing future funding or legislation without partisan controversy. It promotes voluntary cultural change rather than regulatory action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6929-6930; text: CR S6935)
- 2025-10-03: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and objectives of Choose Respect Day. — issued 2025-10-03 — PDF (3 pages)