* 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 Conway
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Domestic Violence in Baltimore City
For the purpose of inviting representatives from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, the Baltimore Police Department, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Office, as well as community advocates fighting against domestic violence to share their expertise with the Baltimore City Council and the general public and to discuss programs available to victims of domestic violence.
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Recitals
Whereas, Domestic violence (which, for the purposes of this resolution, encompasses intimate-partner violence) has been a serious issue across the country and globally since long before the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas, Domestic violence can encompass a wide swath of behaviors, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse;
Whereas, Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence and the controlling and manipulative behavior that frequently accompanies it - no age, gender, or race is immune;
Whereas, Research shows members of vulnerable communities, such as the LGBTQ community, are at an equal or higher risk for domestic violence;
Whereas, As feared, incidents of domestic violence increased 31% in the past year as pandemic restrictions have kept more people isolated at home and unable to access resources that could help them leave an unsafe situation;
Whereas, In Baltimore City, more women and girls were the victim of violence in 2020 than in any other year;
Whereas, Some of the most disturbing instances of violence in recent years have possibly been committed by an intimate partner of at least one of the victims, such as the murder of Shiand Miller (who was pregnant) and her 3 year-old daughter Shaniya Gilmore - police have charged the father of Miller’s unborn child with first-degree murder in this case; and
Whereas, The City Council cannot single-handedly legislate away domestic violence, but it has a duty to highlight the issue and investigate additional ways for City government to support people in vulnerable situations.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites representatives from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, the Baltimore Police Department, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Office, as well as community advocates fighting against domestic violence to share their expertise with the Baltimore City Council and the public and to discuss programs available to victims of domestic violence.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney, the Police Commissioner, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Health Commissioner, the Sheriff, community advocates fighting against domestic violence, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.