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Proclamation Recognizing October 2019 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Commerce City
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Summary and Background Information: 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.
The City of Commerce 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): Chief Clint Nichols
Staff Member Presenting: Victim Services Manager Kim Messina