Title
Special recognition proclaiming October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Body
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a national problem that crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious, and societal barriers; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 10 million people a year are physically abused by an intimate partner, 20,000 calls are placed daily to domestic violence hotlines and in 2024, there have been 473 gun-related domestic violence fatalities; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Sheriff's Office arrested 136 individuals for domestic violence in 2022 and 147 arrests in 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office has a Domestic Violence Division consisting of Assistant State's Attorneys and Victim Witness Coordinators who specialize in prosecuting domestic violence and helping 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, in 2023 A Safe Place provided 1,083 adults and children with housing assistance, 1,791 adults with court advocacy assistance, and 1,603 adults and children with counseling services; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board established the Lake County Domestic Violence Council, which makes recommendations to improve the response to domestic violence, promote effective prevention, intervention and treatment techniques and promote community awareness and education; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Regional Review Team under the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Act is 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, partner...
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