Title
Proclamation Declaring the Month of October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Commerce City
Body
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence <http://www.ncadv.org/>. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes:
• Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence
• Celebrating those who have survived
• Connecting those who work to end violence
These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This year we would like to join a national campaign called NOMORE.org with the global increase in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, awareness and action are urgently needed. This October we will join in spreading the #ListeningFromHome message, activating bystanders, and sharing information that can help those who are experiencing violence during this unprecedented crisis.
The City of Commerce City joins the rest of the nation in proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, shinning a light on this serious problem, communicating to our community this issue is important and there is assistance available.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Clint Nichols
Staff Member Presenting: Kim Messina, Victim Services Manager
Staff Recommendation: Approve proclamation
Suggested Motion: I move to approve proclamation 21-15