HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-17-2006-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 17, 2006
Action Agenda
Item No. (o -~ a
SUBJECT: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
DEPARTMENT: BOCC PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Resolution Donna B_ aker, Clerk to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners
(919) 245-2130
Natalie Andrews, Family Violence
Prevention Center of Orange County
(919) 929-3872
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing October 2006 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognized annually in October, is a
time to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a
pattern of coercion and control in an intimate partner relationship-where one person uses
violence to gain power and control over their partner.
In North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, at least
330 women, men, and children have been murdered as a result of domestic violence since
January 1, 2002.
A number of events, including the Family Violence Prevention Center's March for Family Peace,
are scheduled in Orange County during the month of October to bring public awareness to this
act of physical, mental, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse and to send the message that
we are a community working together to end this violence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: none
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached
proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Orange County.
a
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION TO RECOGNIZE
OCTOBER 2006 AS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a pattern of coercion and control in an intimate partner
relationship where one person uses violence to gain power and control over their
partner; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence includes not only physical, but also mental abuse, emotional
abuse, financial abuse, isolation and sexual abuse; and
WIiEREAS, according to the National Violence Against Women Survey, nearly 25 percent of
American women report being 'raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or
former spouse, partner, or date at some time in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, at least 330 women, men, and children have been murdered as a result
of domestic violence since January 1, 2002; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic
Violence Commission, domestic violence programs responded to over 104,000
crisis calls and provided services to over 500,000 victims last year; and
WHEREAS, the health-related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide committed
by intimate partners exceeded $5.8 billion each year; and
WHEREAS, the key to prevention is focusing on first-time perpetration and first-time
victimization; and
WHEREAS, prevention strategies involve collaborations by multiple partners to promote social
norms, policies, and laws that support gender equity and foster intimate
partnerships based on mutual respect, equality, and trust;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does
hereby proclaim October 2006 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Orange
County and encourage residents .to show support for victims and survivors of
domestic violence and to send the message we are a community working together to
end this violence.
This the 17th day of October 2006.
Barry Jacobs -Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners