Governor Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Governor and Attorney General Hardy Myers joined community leaders in Portland to discuss domestic violence and its effect on families and the community
(Portland, OR) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today proclaimed October “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” at a ceremony at the YWCA of Greater Portland. Attorney General Hardy Myers, Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau and Denise Washington, Chair of the Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence, also spoke about the effects of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence reaches far beyond the home and is no more acceptable than violence that occurs out in the open,” said Governor Kulongoski. “The purpose of today is to engage Oregonians in the effects of domestic violence on our society and bring to the forefront the role that we all play in keeping our children and families safe.”
The Governor also highlighted the YWCA’s “Week Without Violence” – October 16 – 22nd – that includes artwork created by those who have been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Governor issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: Domestic violence devastates families and erodes the health of our communities; and
WHEREAS: Despite courageous and diligent efforts by community advocates to provide safety for survivors of domestic violence, battering is the leading cause of injury to women between ages 15 and 25; and
WHEREAS: Almost $4.1 billion was spent on direct medical and mental health care services in the United States in one year as a result of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS: An estimated 3.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 17 witness domestic violence annually in the United States; and
WHEREAS: 67% of Oregon counties reported a homicide by an intimate partner between 1997-2003, resulting in the death of 124 Oregonians during that time; and
WHEREAS: In 1 of 3 domestic violence assaults in Oregon, a child or children witnessed the assault; and
WHEREAS: In 2004, Oregon domestic violence programs sheltered 2,988 adult victims and 2,660 children, with 47% of women sheltered having children with them; and
WHEREAS: In 2004, Oregon domestic violence programs received 100,872 domestic violence calls.
NOW, THEREFORE: I, Theodore R. Kulongoski, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim October 2005 to be
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
In Oregon and encourage all Oregonians to join in this observance.
Media Contact:
Holly Armstrong, 503-378-6169
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6496
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