* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Middleton
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2017
For the purpose of recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, condemning all forms of intimate partner violence, and urging all Baltimoreans to support efforts to stop domestic violence and support domestic violence victims.
body
Recitals
One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. Domestic violence is problem in all communities that requires more attention and engagement to combat. 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. October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to help these millions of victims understand that they are not alone and mobilize our communities to stop domestic abuse.
Many domestic violence victims feel that they cannot safely escape the abusive situations either because they fear escalating violence or lack the resources to care for themselves or their families on their own. In fact, leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. One study found in interviews with men who have killed their wives that either threats of separation by their partner or actual separations were most often the precipitating events that lead to the murder. These victims need to know that they can safely seek assistance and that they will receive the support and protection that they need if they do so.
Despite tremendous challenges, domestic violence shelters served nearly 70,000 victims in one day alone, according to a recent National Network to End Domestic Violence Domestic Violence Counts. More than three out of four domestic violence survivors who sought support groups, counseling, supportive services and legal advocacy found these services to be “very helpful,” the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work reported.
Throughout October, communities across the country will mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, condemns all forms of intimate partner violence, and urges all Baltimoreans to support efforts to stop domestic violence and support domestic violence victims.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Police Commissioner, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.