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Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation WHEREAS, Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in intimate relationships, used by one partner to exert power and gain control over the other; and WHEREAS, Domestic violence can involve physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or threats or actions; and WHEREAS, Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or education; and WHEREAS, The statistics are sobering: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner; On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21,000 calls, an average of close to 15 calls every minute; WHEREAS, Due to reduced funding and other resources, domestic violence programs are strained to keep up with demands for services; and WHEREAS, Growing up in a violent home can be a significant negative factor in children’s development; and WHEREAS, Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse works with law enforcement and other local partners to provide help, including shelter, to people in Latah and Whitman Counties who are affected by domestic violence; and WHEREAS, Awareness of the problem is the first step, but it is incumbent on all of us to work together to prevent domestic violence, to respond to the needs of victims, to speak out, and to help ensure that offenders are held accountable; NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Lambert, Mayor for the City of Moscow, do hereby proclaim October 2016 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Moscow, and I urge all citizens to help end domestic violence. DATED this 3rd day of October, 2016 Bill Lambert, Mayor