4262197 ACR 19-305, “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the District of Columbia Recognition Resolution of 2012”

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

                                                        

19-305  

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

September 19, 2012

 

 

To declare the month of October 2012 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the District of Columbia.

 

            WHEREAS, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to exert power and control over an intimate partner;

 

            WHEREAS, dignity, safety, and well-being of all residents is the foundation of a vibrant and healthy community, and intimate partner violence is an epidemic in the District of Columbia, which impedes the welfare of all;

 

            WHEREAS, an estimated one out of every 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime;

           

            WHEREAS, domestic violence does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, socio-economic status, or sexual identity or orientation, and therefore victims include men, women, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, wealthy and poor;

           

WHEREAS, all forms of domestic violence, including physical, psychological, emotional, and economic abuse, have devastating long-term effects on victims, and places a strain on the District’s legal and social service systems and overall resources;  

 

            WHEREAS, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness, revealing the intersection domestic violence has with many other serious social problems;

 

WHEREAS, domestic violence negatively impacts employment, resulting in $3 to $5 billion worth of lost wages and reduced productivity each year;

 

WHEREAS, domestic violence has a major impact on children and teens, and must be addressed both in school and out because the District had a 26% increase in the number of youths 13 through- 17 years of age seeking assistance in 2011;

 

WHEREAS, the District has taken important steps to help victims of domestic violence, by providing life-saving public emergency services, establishing 24-hour hotlines, and through the proactive efforts of the Office of Victim Services, ensuring that high-quality services are available to every victim seeking help;

 

WHEREAS, in 2011, domestic violence service providers, on average, saw a 33% increase in the number of victims served per day and yet had a 60% increase in the number of unmet requests for services, illustrating how vast the need is in the District; and

 

WHEREAS, to eradicate domestic violence requires the commitment and support of all citizens, as well as the District government; the problem must be acknowledged in order for it to be eradicated.

 

            RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the District of Columbia Recognition Resolution of 2012”.

 

            Sec. 2.  The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the severity of domestic violence in the District of Columbia and, to raise public awareness of this often hidden issue, the Council declares October 2012, as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the District of Columbia.

           

            Sec.  3.  This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.