CITY OF NAPA
PROCLAMATION
Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~ October 2023
WHEREAS, NEWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services is commemorating 42 years of service to survivors of domestic violence in Napa County, having opened the first confidential safe house on October 5, 1981 and began providing safety to those escaping abuse; and
WHEREAS, every year since 1989, the United States Congress has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, renewing our Count ry’s commitment to standing against domestic violence and meeting the needs of survivors; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a public health concern that impacts the well -being and success of individual community members, as well as the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, data from the U.S. Center of Disease Control’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NIPSVS) show that nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the U.S. report experiencing severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime while nearly half of U.S. adults have experienced psychological aggression from their partner; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can cause severe physical and emotional distress for survivors who are more likely to become suicidal and lose economic opportunities from the abuse. Children who witness abuse are likely to experience abuse themselves and are often used t o control other family members which can have lifelong impacts on their mental health; and WH
EREAS, by observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month we show that our community is committed to supporting survivors and working toward the prevention of domestic violence among future generations; and WH
EREAS, in Fiscal Year 2022/2023, NEWS provided services to nearly 1,800 of our Napa County community members, including 24- hour response, assistance with protective orders, safety and shelter, permanent housing, financial aid, support groups and children’s services, for issues related to violence in the home.
NO
W, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Scott Sedgley, Mayor of the City of Napa, along with the Napa City Council, do hereby proclaim October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encourage all residents of Napa to honor domestic violence survivors and those who serve them during this month and throughout the year.
Dated: October 3, 2023
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SCOTT SEDGLEY, MAYOR
CITY OF NAPA
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