PROCLAMATION DECLARING October 2026 as National Domestic Violence Awareness MonthPROCLAMATION DECLARING October 2026 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month PROCLAMATION DECLARING October 2026 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
PROCLAMATION DECLARING October 2026 as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
WHEREAS, October is annually recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, policymakers, communities, service providers, and community organizations must work together to prevent domestic violence and support survivor-centered solutions; and WHEREAS, domestic violence programs throughout California provide essential, lifesaving, survivor-centered services to survivors, their children, and their communities; and WHEREAS, there is a continued need to support and amplify prevention programs and community-based strategies that promote healthy relationships, strengthen communities, and prevent domestic violence before it occurs; and WHEREAS, all survivors deserve access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs and services that promote safety, healing, empowerment, and self-sufficiency; and WHEREAS, nearly half of California adults (44%) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, according to the 2023 California Violence Experiences Survey [1]; and WHEREAS, California law enforcement agencies received 157,416 domestic violence-related calls for assistance in 2025, demonstrating the continued need for prevention, intervention, advocacy, and survivor services throughout the state [2]; and WHEREAS, in 2024, more than 74,000 domestic violence survivors and 24,000 children of survivors accessed homeless resource services in California, demonstrating the significant connection between domestic violence, safety, and housing instability [3]; and WHEREAS, children exposed to intimate partner violence may experience both short- and long-term effects on their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, reinforcing the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed support [4]; and WHEREAS, Project Sanctuary’s mission is to provide trauma-informed, supportive services by offering a 24-hour hotline to victims/survivors, responding to emergency calls, offering support, and empowering those impacted by domestic violence to chart their own journey toward healing; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jason Godeke, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim October as NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.
SIGNED this 13th Day of October, 2026
____________________________________
JASON GODEKE, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Diana Paoli, City Clerk
No. 39-2026
[1] California Department of Public Health, Domestic Violence Prevention Program. 2023 California Violence Experiences Survey (CalVEX). Reports that nearly half (44%) of California adults have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
California Department of Public Health — Domestic Violence Prevention [2] California Department of Justice, Crime in California 2025.
California Department of Justice, Criminal Justice Statistics Center. Reports 157,416 domestic violence-related calls for assistance in California in 2025.
Department of Justice 2025 Criminal Justice Statistical Reports [3] California Interagency Council on Homelessness, Homeless Equity for Left Behind Populations (HELP) Act.
Reports that in 2024, more than 74,000 domestic violence survivors and 24,000 children of survivors accessed homelessness services in California.
California Interagency Council on Homelessness - HELP Act [4] National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Intimate Partner Violence and Child Trauma.
Provides information regarding the short- and long-term physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social impacts of children’s exposure to intimate partner violence. National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Intimate Partner Violence and Child Trauma