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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing October 2016 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Solano County (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
In October of 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness month was observed. This month has since been set aside to raise public awareness about the prevalence and cost of domestic violence, the need for prevention and the availability of services for victims of abuse. The Department recognizes the need to raise public awareness and to reduce children's exposure to violence and therefore recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing October 2016 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The financial impact associated with the adoption of the resolution is minimal and absorbed in the Department's budget.
DISCUSSION:
Somewhere in America a woman is battered, usually by her intimate partner, every 9 seconds. Domestic violence is not a private matter; it is a crime. It is one of the most common, yet least reported, crimes in the United States. It can happen to anyone, of any profession, education level, economic status, age, race or religion. It occurs at the same rate in gay and lesbian relationships as it does in heterosexual relationships. Although not as common, violence against men by women also exists. Batterers not only hurt their partners, but their children as well. Estimates show that child abuse is 15 times more likely to occur in families where domestic violence is present. Children who witness domestic violence often grow up believing that physical cruelty in relationships is acceptable behavior, and thus they tend to perpetuate a c...
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