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Agenda Item No. 5(B) ! CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month WHEREAS, violence against women and children continues to become more prevalent as a social problem due to the imbalance of power in gender and age; and . WHEREAS, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people but cross all economic, racial, affectional preference and societal barriers and are supported by societal indifference; and WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual's privacy, dignity, security and humanity due to the systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, and economic control and/or abuse; and WHEREAS, the impact of domestic violence is wide-ranging, directly affecting men, women, and children, and society as a whole; and WHEREAS, it is battered women themselves who have been in the forefront of efforts to bring peace and equality to the home; and WHEREAS, all residents of Contra Costa County should feel safe in their homes, their schools, and their communities; and WHEREAS, STAND! for Families Free of Violence provides domestic violence services to families and individuals in Contra Costa County, serving over 10,000 clients annually; and WHEREAS, STAND! for Families Free of Violence is a multi-service agency, providing: 24 hour crisis line, emergency and transitional shelter, legal advocacy, children and teen programs, counseling, support groups, employment training, batterer's treatment programs, and educational prevention programs; and WHEREAS, STAND! for Families Free of Violence works to raise awareness through education, so individuals will become advocates, and take action to end violence in their communities. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim October 2012 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of El Cerrito, and urges all residents to actively participate in efforts to end violence in our homes, in our schools, and in our communities. Dated: September 18,2012 William C Jones III, Mayor