10/1/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• • PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2002 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA WHEREAS, domestic violence transcends all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic boundaries. Its perpetrators abuse their victims both physically and mentally, and the effects of their attacks are far- reaching - weakening the very core of our communities. Domestic violence is particularly devastating because it so often occurs in the privacy of the home, which is meant to be a place of shelter and security, and because it takes place in private many Americans may not realize how widespread it is; and WHEREAS, each year in the United States, approximately 1.5 million women are raped and/or physically assaulted by their current or former husbands, partners and/or boyfriends. As unsettling as these statistics are, it is also disturbing to realize that the children of battered women frequently witness these attacks, thus becoming victims themselves; and WHEREAS, our prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers and victim advocates have worked hard to reduce domestic violence in our County, and to assist victims and their families, and through education, awareness and enforcement are striving to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault; and WHEREAS, public action and awareness will create a society that promotes strong values, fosters a safe and loving home environment for every family and refuses to tolerate domestic violence in any form. During the month of October, Americans should contemplate the scars that domestic violence leaves on our society and what each of us can do to prevent it. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA that the month of October, 2002, be recognized as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH in Indian River County, and the Board calls upon everyone in the community to join together to end domestic violence that threatens so many of our citizens and children. Adopted this 1st day of October, 2002. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA 42Z /7 Ruth M. Stanbridge, Ch Circuit Judge Paul B. Kanarek stated that domestic violence is a problem that crosses racial ethnic, and economic backgrounds. 600 cases have been filed to date in Indian River County this year, an average of about 50 per month. This is a problem in our County as much as everywhere. He thanked the Board for bringing this problem to the public awareness. OCTOBER 1, 2002 3 EI