HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-06-20; 4-a - Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 6, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation
Bonnie Hammersley, 919-245-2306
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing October 2020 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Domestic Violence is a pattern of control in an intimate relationship where one
person uses coercion and violence to gain power and control over a partner.
In 1989, the U.S. Congress first passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and has adopted similar legislation each year
thereafter. The goal has been to educate and make the public aware of domestic violence issues,
support the victims of domestic violence, and to connect advocates across the nation who are
working to end domestic violence.
The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim October 2020 as "Domestic Violence
Awareness Month" in Orange County to support victims of domestic violence, to educate
residents, and support those working to end domestic violence.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no environmental impact associated with consideration
of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating October 2020 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Orange County.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2O20
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
WHEREAS, individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, age, gender identity, or sexual
orientation can experience abuse by an intimate partner; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average nearly
20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During
one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men; and
WHEREAS, on a typical day there are 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines
nationwide according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, at least 57 individuals were murdered as a result of domestic violence in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Compass Center for Women and Families, the state-designated domestic violence
service provider for Orange County, served over 1,400 survivors of domestic violence through
their 24-hour hotline, support groups, court advocacy, crisis counseling, Latinx services, and
other services last year; and
WHEREAS, Compass Center has launched Safe Homes, New Lives - an innovative and
compassionate new housing strategy that empowers victims of domestic violence, provides
safety for them and their children, and keeps them in their community by providing scattered
housing across Orange County to shelter victims and their families for up to 3 months; 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, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim this
time to be:
"Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020"
and encourage the citizens of Orange County to observe this time in ways appropriate to its
importance and significance.
Proclaimed this the 6th day of October, 2020.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners