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Special recognition proclaiming October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national effort to uplift the needs, voices, and experiences of survivors because domestic violence is a problem that crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious and societal barriers; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 theme, “With Survivors, Always”, emphasizes partnership and solidarity with survivors of domestic violence and is a call to action for those committed to advocating for survivors’ needs and rights; and
WHEREAS, the National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that on average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking, which equals more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has a Domestic Violence Division staffed with Assistant State’s Attorneys and Victim Witness Coordinators who specialize in prosecuting domestic violence and supporting the victims in collaboration with A Safe Place, which provides legal advocacy and professional assistance inside the courthouse to survivors seeking orders of protection; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board established the Lake County Domestic Violence Council, which makes recommendations on how to improve the response to domestic violence, promote effective prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques, and promote community awareness and education; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has also created a Regional Review Team, under the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act, a pilot program that seeks ways to reduce domestic partner homicides by looking at the root causes of domestic violence with a multidisciplinary approach; and
WHEREAS, building safe communities for all residents through education and prevention is a priority of Lake County’s Strategic Plan, so all residents can thrive and feel secure; and
WHEREAS, partnerships with justice agencies, not-for-profit agencies, survivor service providers, treatment providers, and healthcare providers are vital to the success of eliminating domestic violence in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, for assistance and resources, call 911 in an emergency, or call A Safe Place’s Crisis Line at 847-249-4450, which is available 24/7.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that October 2025 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urges residents to work together toward eliminating domestic violence so that survivors of domestic violence, intimate partners, children, and families can live safely and without fear.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 14, 2025.