HomeMy WebLinkAbout20173501.tiffProclamation
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2017
WHEREAS, Colorado Revised Statute 18-6-800 defines domestic violence as "an act or
threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been in an
intimate relationship." Domestic violence includes physical, verbal, sexual, economic, and
other forms of abuse committed by a person to injure, coerce, control, punish,
intimidate, and/or exercise power over their current or former spouse, significant other,
dating partner, or co -parent.
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a violent crime that can affect any person regardless of
age, gender, socio-economic status, race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation; it
accounts for 15 percent of all crimes reported to law enforcement and is the leading
cause of death for pregnant women in the United States.
WHEREAS, children who live with and witness domestic violence at home are far more
likely to have long-term physical and mental health problems, receive lower grades in
school, engage in risky, self-destructive behavior, and become future victims and
perpetrators of domestic violence.
WHEREAS, victims of domestic violence face numerous personal, social, societal and
legal obstacles such conflicting feelings about their abuser, cultural or religious beliefs
that justify staying in the relationship, lack of validation or support system, expensive
costs of living, fear of escalated abuse and retaliation if they try to leave, lack of physical
evidence to prosecute, and more.
WHEREAS, A Woman's Place can help domestic violence victims and their children
through 24/7 crisis line support, safe shelter, and confidential services completely free of
charge. In 2016, they answered 759 crisis calls and provided shelter, case management,
legal advocacy, counseling and other services to 652 people. Their mission is to shelter
and help empower victims/survivors of domestic violence to become safe, secure and
self-reliant; and through education and collaboration to mobilize our community to help
prevent domestic violence.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim the month
of October 2017 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and reaffirms Weld County's
commitment to support victims/survivors and help prevent domestic violence in this
community.
Steve Moreno, Pro Tern
Mike Freeman
By: `k tr
Deputy Clerk to the Board
NTY,OMj1ISSIONERS
ie A. Cozad, Chair
Sean P. Conway
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