SEPTEMBER 18, 2001

Agenda Item No. 26

Introduced by the Law & Courts Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OCTOBER, 2001 AS "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH" IN INGHAM COUNTY

RESOLUTION #01-288

WHEREAS, domestic violence threatens the very core of what we hold dear, millions of men, women and children throughout our nation are plagued by the terror of family violence each year, and approximately 20 percent of all hospital emergency room visits by women result from such violence; and

WHEREAS, family violence is a crime that transcends race, religion, ethnicity, and economic stature, and one of its greatest tragedies is its effect on our young people: as many as 3 million children witness violence in their homes each year; and

WHEREAS, efforts must continue to transform despair into hope for the men, women and families across this country who suffer violence at home; and

WHEREAS, there must be an increase in public awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, as well as the needs of its victims.

WHEREAS, October is recognized across the nation as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month".

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby designate October, 2001 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Ingham County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that citizens of Ingham County are encouraged to join efforts in working toward the day when no person raises a hand in violence against a family member.

LAW & COURTS COMMITTEE: Yeas: Lynch, Krause, Schafer, Severino, Stid, De Leon, Dedden

Nays: None Absent: None Approved 9/6/01