Domestic Violence Awareness Month

P R O C L A M A T I O N

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS the vision for Arlington County is one in which Arlington is a peaceful and respectful community- where diversity is celebrated, violence is not tolerated, and where all people are empowered to build healthy relationships free from the fear, or threat of, all forms of domestic and sexual violence; and

WHEREAS as a community, Arlington is dedicated to addressing the issue of domestic, dating and intimate partner violence–ensuring victims and survivors receive the help they need to find the compassion, comfort, healing resources and supports they deserve, and abusers are held accountable to the full extent of the law; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and income levels in our community and across the nation; and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, security, and humanity due to the systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic control and/or abuse; and domestic violence is widespread and can impact entire families; children that grow up in violent homes are abused and neglected at a rate higher than the national average; and

WHEREAS, under the umbrella of Project PEACE, important partnerships thrive among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, healthcare providers, allied professionals, and victim advocacy services to assist victims of domestic violence and their families and enhance our community’s response; and

WHEREAS, in 2019, Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about the impact of domestic violence in our community and to show support for the numerous organizations and individuals who provide critical advocacy, services and assistance to victims; and

WHEREAS, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our community;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Christian Dorsey of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim October 2019, as

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

in Arlington County, to honor those who have lost their lives, celebrate those who survived, and encourage all to work to end domestic violence.

Christian Dorsey

Chair