P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, Most families provide a nurturing and loving environment for their children so that they learn to love and respect others and themselves and learn the values that will shape them as adults and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Nevertheless, millions of homes have become a battlefield where women, men, children and the elderly have become casualties of domestic violence, suffering both physical and emotional trauma; and
WHEREAS, Domestic violence is a national tragedy that weakens our family unit, leaves physical and emotional scars, and creates a destructive cycle of violence where oftentimes those who were abused become abusers themselves; and
WHEREAS, Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people of all races, ages, gender, and income levels and costs the nation billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity; and WHEREAS, As a nation, we need to be committed to ending domestic violence by creating a system that punishes offenders and provides victims with the necessary resources and assistance so that they may escape destructive environments; and
WHEREAS, With heightened awareness, strengthened prevention, and communities uniting for this cause, we can break the cycle of violence and build neighborhoods that are safe for everyone; and WHEREAS, Domestic violence has no place in our society, and in an effort to battle and eradicate domestic violence, October has been designated as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH; NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Barstow hereby proclaims October 2022 as
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
in the City of Barstow to demonstrate our continued support and commitment to the prevention and elimination of domestic violence;
AND FURTHER, We call upon all citizens to speak out against domestic violence, to support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need, and to work together to eliminate domestic violence in our community for a safer environment for all.
SIGNED AND SEALED at Barstow, California, this 19st day of September 2022. _____________________________ ________________________________ ___________________________ Timothy R. Silva, Council Member Paul Anthony Courtney, Dr.B.A., Mayor James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
______________________________ ______________________________ Marilyn Dyer Kruse, Council Member Barbara M. Rose, Council Member