By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Members of the community came out Sunday night to show there support for Polly's Place-Niles, a faith-based domestic violence shelter for women and their children.
The event was Polly's Place first annual banquet and fundraising drive.
Since reopening its doors in June, the shelter has helped 40 women and their children.
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., of St. Joseph, was the evening's keynote speaker.
We have heard too often the stories of women who have been abused, Upton said.
Upton was exposed to domestic violence at a young age as his parents brought foster children into their home, placed there as a result of an abusive situation.
Unless you are up close or have been exposed first hand to an abusive situation, often you don't witness it because it is hidden, Upton said.
Places like Polly's Place-Niles are where women in domestic violence situations can go to regain confidence as they become one with the community again, Upton said.
The House recently passed a Violence Against Women Act, which will carry through the year 2010, Upton said.
This time is the third since 1994 that Congress has passed legislation aimed at helping women who are in violent situations and, in doing so, has helped thousands and thousands of women.
Upton said the legislation makes people accountable for crimes against women and helps to give funds to help those who are truly in need in violent situations. It will also help to provide training for judges and law enforcement officers in how to deal with domestic violence.