Title
To declare October 2015 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Columbus, and to recognize CHOICES For Victims of Domestic Violence for their efforts to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention in Central Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, Domestic violence impacts women, men, and children of every age, background, and belief. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner; and
WHEREAS, Each year, 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence, and 1/3 of female homicide victims are a result of domestic violence committed by an intimate partner. In 2014, there were approximately 9,287 incidents of domestic violence reported in Franklin County; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of domestic violence may be diminished by educating and empowering the community to develop and maintain healthy relationships; and
WHEREAS, CHOICES For Victims of Domestic Violence has a mission to interrupt the cycle of domestic violence by responding to those in need, educating our community and advocating for social change; and
WHEREAS, CHOICES recently joined the Lutheran Social Services family of programs, and it is the only domestic violence safe haven in Franklin County, offering 51 beds, a 24-hour crisis and information hotline, counseling services, support groups and legal and community advocates for those impacted by domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, CHOICES provided safe shelter to 742 people in fiscal year 2015, which equaled over 21, 000 nights. In addition, the 24-hour hotline received more than 3,100 calls in fiscal year 2015, and community advocates assisted 402 clients, 270 of them being served by the counseling program. Another 566 clients were helped by legal advocates; and
WHEREAS, By educating communities on the necessity of developing and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as providing safe shelter, and support to those in need, CHOICES For Victims of Domestic Violence along with counselors, and community and legal advocates will provide a beacon of hope for those currently in abusive relationships, and act as an inspiration to others who are committed to preventing domestic violence, Now therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council recognizes the importance of the preventing domestic violence, and does hereby recognize the month of October 2015 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.