(Woodland, CA) – District Attorney Jeff Reisig welcomes October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. This awareness was crucial because domestic violence is a serious social problem and dangerous crime that affects millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, economic status, race, religion or education.
While high profile cases of domestic violence may attract big headlines, thousands of people experience domestic abuse every day. One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner. These statistics are terrifying and heartbreaking and although not as common, men are also victimized as a result of domestic violence. The goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to educate the public to speak out against domestic violence because the issue will continue until society stands up against abusive behavior. Communities must teach our children that violence is not acceptable in any form and individuals need to model what healthy relationships look like.
Throughout October, communities across the country will remember and mourn for those whose lives were taken by their intimate partners. Communities can also recognize and reach out to those survivors who are struggling to stay safe in an abusive relationship. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously prosecute domestic violence offenders who commit these life altering crimes. And Yolo County District Attorney’s Victim Services will continue to help domestic violence survivors by providing advocacy, court accompaniment and many other needed services.
Yolo County District Attorney’s Office wants the community to know there are ways to join the effort to stop domestic violence. Support your local domestic violence program by donating to Empower Yolo, the domestic violence and sexual assault center in Yolo County (http://empoweryolo.org/upcoming-events/), or taking the time to volunteer. Educate yourself and others by scheduling a presentation at your workplace, community center or place of worship. Events organized at the District Attorney’s Office to raise awareness will include a clothing drive that will benefit Empower Yolo and a resolution to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month which was signed by Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Please contact Yolo County District Attorney’s Victim Services with any questions at 530.666.8187.
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