AGENDA ITEM #8.n
Proclamation in Recognition of
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects people of every age, race, gender, sexual orientation, income level, faith, and ability, and its impact reaches individuals, families, and the community as a whole, here in Fairfax, throughout Marin County and California, and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Congress declared October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989, and each October organizations and individuals across the country unite to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors; and
WHEREAS, survivors continue to face serious barriers to safety, including the minimizing of violence, cuts to the services families rely upon, and increased obstacles for survivors and their children; and
WHEREAS, safe housing is among survivors' most urgent needs, and in a county with high housing costs, leaving an abusive home can mean facing the loss of shelter, income, and stability all at once; and
WHEREAS, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and discrimination based on physical ability, nationality, immigration status, or other factors help perpetuate domestic violence and make finding safety harder for some victims; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Domestic Peace, formerly Marin Abused Women's Services, has served Marin County survivors for decades, providing a 24-hour bilingual English/Spanish hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy, youth and prevention programs, and services to all survivors regardless of immigration status; and the Town of Fairfax recognizes and honors this work, along with the Fairfax Police Department and all local advocates and service providers who stand with survivors; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can be prevented, and ending it requires the collective commitment of individuals, families, institutions, and systems; and this year's national theme, With Survivors, Always, calls on every community to move from awareness to action and to stand with survivors toward safety, support, and solidarity; AGENDA ITEM #8.n
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax hereby recognizes October 2026 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH in the Town of Fairfax, and urges all residents to remember those lost to domestic violence, honor the strength of survivors, support the advocates and programs who serve them, and take part in awareness activities throughout the month. Anyone experiencing domestic violence in Marin County can reach the Center for Domestic Peace's 24-hour hotline at (415) 924-6616, in English or Spanish.
Signed on this 7th day of October 2026
Stephanie Hellman
Mayor of Fairfax