AGENDA ITEM #8.I
Proclamation of the Town of Fairfax
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH — OCTOBER 2025
“WITH SURVIVORS, ALWAYS”
WHEREAS, October has been recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1989, a time for communities to unite in support of survivors and to raise awareness of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, the theme for DVAM 2025, as declared by the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, is "With Survivors, Always"—a call to partnership, safety, support, and solidarity with those who have survived domestic violence; it stands as both a love letter and a powerful call to action for advocates, supporters, and policymakers alike; and
WHEREAS, across California, more than 160,000 domestic violence–related calls for service were received by law enforcement agencies in 2023, equating to an average of 18 calls per hour; this marks a decline from more than 198,000 calls in 2001 (nearly 23 per hour), though the severity of incidents has increased, with more than half of current incidents involving aggravated assaults and weapon use; furthermore, an estimated 34.9% of women and 31.1% of men in California experience intimate partner violence or stalking during their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, in Marin County, the number of domestic violence–related calls to law enforcement has declined by approximately 55% over the past nine years—a statistically significant reduction not seen elsewhere in California; this positive trend is strongly correlated with the introduction of the “Pocket Card”, a uniform response tool developed collaboratively by the Center for Domestic Peace and local law enforcement, along with associated practices such as lethality risk assessment, rapid hotline connection, and improved policing protocols; and
WHEREAS, reductions in violence, enhanced safety planning, and increased survivor resilience exemplify the spirit of "With Survivors, Always", by not merely recognizing survivors, but by actively fostering their safety, autonomy, and flourishing;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax, CA, does hereby proclaim October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month under the theme "With Survivors, Always".
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Town of Fairfax, California, to be affixed this 15th day of October 2025. ______________________________________
Lisel Blash, Mayor of Fairfax