Title
Resolution proclaiming the month of October 2015 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the month of October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a national problem that is not confined to any group or groups of people, but crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious, and societal barriers; and
WHEREAS, through the cooperative efforts of the Judiciary, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Domestic Violence Council, A Safe Place, the Regional Office of Education and the Chiefs of Police Association, Lake County has been in the forefront of the effort to end domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, through those cooperative efforts, the State’s Attorney’s Office has designed a specialized unit to address Domestic Violence cases, a Domestic Violence Courtroom has been established to hear all misdemeanor domestic violence cases, A Safe Room (D100) is available in the courthouse to provide advocacy and professional assistance to victims of domestic violence , and a Lake County Domestic Violence Manual has been developed to provide policies and procedures to more effectively investigate and prosecute domestic violence cases; and
WHEREAS, additional partnerships with members of the Lake County community such as, juvenile justice agencies, victim services, treatment providers, and healthcare providers have been established and are vital to the success of eliminating domestic violence in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, the Lake County Board established by resolution the Lake County Domestic Violence Council, and the Council enforces effective prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques, improves the response to domestic violence and abuse so to reduce incidents in Lake County , and promotes effective community awareness and educational programs ; and
WHEREAS, approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year; and public awareness has the potential to increase the identification and reporting of abuse by the public, professionals, and victims themselves ; programs such as the State’s Attorney’s Office Bee Safe Program and the Teen Dating Violence Initiative have the potential to enhance awareness on this ever-growing issue; and
WHEREAS, the 23rd Annual ”A Safe Place” Candle Lighting Ceremony to honor the victims and survivors of domestic violence is scheduled for October 6, 2015 at the Waukegan Police Department to walk in solidarity with victims of domestic violence.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois that it recognizes and actively supports October 2015 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and recognizes the accomplishments of all those involved in the effort to eliminate domestic violence, and urges all citizens to work together toward the elimination of domestic violence so that children and families can be safe and without fear.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on September 8, 2015.