AGENDA ITEM #12
TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
Recognizing October 2024 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
WHEREAS, October is annually recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, although progress has been made toward preventing and ending domestic violence and providing support to survivors and their families, important work remains to be done; and WHEREAS, policymakers and communities must work together to transform the conditions that cause domestic violence and support survivor-centered solutions; and WHEREAS, domestic violence programs in Marin County and across California provide essential, lifesaving services for survivors, their children, and communities; and WHEREAS, there is a need to provide education, awareness, and understanding of domestic violence and its causes; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to support and amplify prevention programs and community-based strategies to create healthy environments and decrease the likelihood of perpetration, thereby stopping domestic violence from occurring in the first place; and WHEREAS, there is a need to focus on the individualized needs of domestic violence survivors; and
Whereas, domestic violence affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, racial, ethnic, cultural, social, religious, and economic groups in the Town of Fairfax and across California; and WHEREAS, the marginalization of certain groups in society, including undocumented individuals, transgender individuals, and people living with disabilities, increases their vulnerability to domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, children exposed to domestic violence can experience long-term consequences, including difficulty at school, substance abuse, behavioral problems in adolescence, and serious adult health problems; and
Whereas, recognizing the need to understand the complexity of violence as perpetuated within communities and against communities, and the fear of many survivors to report to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, all survivors deserve access to culturally responsive programs and services to increase their safety and self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, all communities deserve access to culturally responsive prevention programs and initiatives to improve overall community health and safety by challenging the societal norms that perpetuate violence; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfax recognizes the vital role that all residents can play in preventing and one day ending domestic violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Town Council of Fairfax that the Town of Fairfax recognizes October 2024, and each following October, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Signed this 16th day of October 2024
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Barbara Coler, Mayor of Fairfax