Explanation
Title
To recognize October 2006 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to honor CHOICES and the 2006 Peacemaker Award winners for breaking the cycle of Domestic Violence in families across Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence continues to victimize families throughout the City of Columbus, where last year the City Attorney's Office prosecuted nearly 4,400 domestic violence charges, more than 700 charges against abusers who violated protection orders aimed at keeping victims out of harm, and investigated 300 cases of stalking; and
WHEREAS, for nearly 30 years, CHOICES has undertaken a mission to break the cycle of domestic violence and advocate for social change; and
WHEREAS, CHOICES provides the Columbus community with comprehensive domestic violence services ranging from a crisis and information hotline, temporary shelter for women and their children, counseling and support groups, and education and training programs; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, CHOICES provided information and referrals to 7,784 individuals, safe shelter to 546 woman and children, legal advocacy to 588 individuals, and outreach and counseling services to 588 individuals; and
WHEREAS, the Peacemaker Awards were established in 1995 to highlight the widespread effects of domestic violence and recognize individuals who work to make our community a safer place; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 Peacemaker Awards will recognize Abigail Wexner and The Ohio State University for their joint efforts to address dating violence on campus, where approximately one out of every three students has experienced sexual, physical, verbal or emotional violence in a dating relationship; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does recognize October 2006 as Domestic Violence Awareness month, honor the advocacy and outreach CHOICES has performed to break the cycle of domestic violence in Columbus, and congratulate the winners of the 2006 Peacemaker Awards who are making positive strides to respond, educate and advocate for change.