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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND COMMENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCATES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDERS
WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held throughout the month of October to raise awareness and unite, in solidarity and support, across the nation to end domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, Domestic Violence can happen to anyone at any point in a relationship, and happens in every community and affects people of all races, genders, and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, one in three women will experience intimate partner violence, whether physical or emotional, in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, more than half of women (69.5%) and men (53.6%) who have been physically or sexually abused or stalked by a dating partner, first experienced abuse between the ages of 11-24, according to the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence; and
WHEREAS, on average, three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics; and
WHEREAS, victims of domestic violence experience immediate and long-term negative outcomes, including detrimental effects on mental and physical health; and
WHEREAS, personal safety and economic security are often inextricably linked for victims of domestic violence, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence; and
WHEREAS, victims of domestic violence may not leave because of financial needs, family pressures, believing children need a second parent, or the fear that abusers will follow through on threats to harm children or gain custody, according to the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families in the United States, according to the American Civil Liberties Union Women’s Rights Project; and
WHEREAS, significant numbers of women living in poverty are battered, and the violence they experience can make the climb out of poverty unattainable, according to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; and
WHEREAS, millions of children are exposed to domestic violence each year; and
WHEREAS, children who observe parental conflict, hostility, and violent behavior are more likely to use abusive behaviors toward their significant others in both adolescence and adulthood, according to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges; and
WHEREAS, only 60 percent of domestic violence and intimate partner violence incidents are ever reported to the police, according to National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ domestic violence victims face barriers unique to their status, such as lack of access to domestic violence shelters, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs; and
WHEREAS, African American females experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 2.5 times the rate of women of other races and are less likely than white women to use social services, battered women’s programs, or go to the hospital because of domestic violence, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Feminist Majority Foundation; and
WHEREAS, 63% of victimized Latinas experience multiple acts of victimization, Latino victims are less likely to tell health care workers, and Latino victims report seeking local shelters less than women from other ethnic/racial groups due to language barriers and fear of immigration enforcement; and
WHEREAS, victims of domestic violence who worked with advocates experienced less violence over time, reported higher quality of life and social support, and had less difficulty obtaining community resources over time, according to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence; and
WHEREAS, staff and volunteers of domestic violence shelters and community providers serve thousands of adults and children throughout Cook County; and
WHEREAS, crisis hotlines serving domestic violence victims operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and offer important crisis intervention services, support services, information, and referrals for victims; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives at risk each day by responding to incidents of domestic violence, which can be among the most volatile and deadly disturbance calls; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and does hereby support the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to end domestic violence and provide safety for victims of domestic violence and their families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commends domestic violence victim advocates, victim service providers, crisis hotline staff and first responders for their compassionate support of survivors of domestic violence, and commits to continuing to raise awareness of domestic violence and the corresponding devastating effects of domestic violence on survivors, families, and communities.
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