Title
To recognize that freedom from domestic violence is a fundamental human right and to recognize that local governments have a responsibility to continue defending and securing this right on behalf of their citizens.
Body
WHEREAS, this Council has worked with the Columbus Division of Police, the City Attorney’s office, and the community over the years to the reduce the number of domestic violence incidents in our community and to raise awareness about the need to eliminate violence and other forms of oppression in our community; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Police formed a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit more than 20 years ago that today comprises 11 officers who provide 24/7 coverage in Columbus for all incidents involving or having suspicion of domestic violence. Their work also includes training officers and educating the community on what domestic violence is and how to recognize what is referred to as the “silent crime”; and
WHEREAS, specially trained prosecutors and victim advocates in the Columbus City Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit work with the police to facilitate the prosecution of domestic violence cases and provide education, support, counseling, crisis intervention and overall assistance to victims of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, the diligent efforts of these Units and the support of this Council have consistently acknowledged, upheld, and defended the fact that all people have the right to be safe and free from harm; and
WHEREAS, although great strides have been made, the crime of domestic violence continues to victimize families throughout Columbus. In 2010, the Columbus Division of Police received roughly 6,500 calls reporting incidents of domestic violence and almost 4,000 charges of domestic violence were filed at the Franklin County Municipal Court; and
WHEREAS, in order to combat the incidence of domestic violence in our city and better meet the needs of its victims, it is important to advance the collaborative eff...
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