Title
PROCLAIM OCTOBER 2016 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Staff Contact: Rick St. John, Interim Police Chief
Presented By: Office of the Mayor
Accepted By: Mrs. Carol Bolick, Victim Assistance Caseworker, Glendale Police Department Family Advocacy Center
end
Purpose and Recommended Action
Recommendation [enter the recommendation here]
This is a request for City Council to proclaim October 2016 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and present the proclamation to Mrs. Carol Bolick, Victim Assistance Caseworker, Glendale Police Department Family Advocacy Center.
body
Background
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the United States Congress.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior which involves physical, verbal, and emotional abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner. It often occurs when the abuser believes that abuse is acceptable, justified, or unlikely to be reported. Domestic violence impacts everyone regardless of age, race, sex, economic or educational background, occupation, or religious belief. Victims may be trapped in domestic violence situations through isolation, power and control, lack of financial resources, fear, shame, or to protect children. As a result of abuse, victims may experience physical disabilities, chronic health problems, mental illness, limited finances, and lack of ability to create healthy relationships.
The Glendale Police Department is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and works to prevent domestic violence by educating the community, and providing information and resources to those in need. The Glendale Family Advocacy Center has become a safe haven for providing comprehensive and coordinated services to domestic violence victims and their families in order to help them regain stability in their lives. The Center includes facilities for forensic interviews, medical examinations, counseling, and collaboration between law enforcement and victim services personnel in a safe, comfortable, and convenient setting.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
According to statistics provided by the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence, in 2015 there were 107 domestic violence related deaths in Arizona. Additionally, Maricopa County had the largest number of domestic violence related fatalities by far, with nearly 59% of all Arizona domestic violence related fatalities occurring within the county. Arizona issued 35,209 Orders of Protection in 2015, with 3,304 Orders of Protection being filed at the Glendale City Court.
Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides citizens with an opportunity to increase their understanding of domestic violence and recommit to ending domestic violence in homes, at work, in the community, and throughout the country. This month also allows for the recognition and expression of gratitude to the people and agencies that support victims of domestic violence and educate the public about its prevalence.