Declaring October 2000 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

WHEREAS, Domestic violence is a societal problem of epidemic proportions; and

WHEREAS, Each year more than 1000 American women die as a result of violence at the hands of an intimate partner; and

WHEREAS, Three million children in the U.S. are at risk of witnessing one or both parents physically abuse the other; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, the Police Department responds to more than 200,000 domestic violence disturbances each year, and the family court processes 13,000 applications for orders of protection from domestic violence each year; and

WHEREAS, During the first quarter of 2000, there were at least 18 domestic violence incidents which resulted in 33 deaths in Pennsylvania; in 1999 domestic violence claimed the lives of 129 people in Pennsylvania: 19 of whom were residents of Philadelphia County; and

WHEREAS, Battering affects families across America in all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS, As information about the extent and impact of domestic violence emerges, it has been identified as a criminal justice issue, a public health issue, and a costly drain on economic productivity; and

WHEREAS, Education, assistance, research, prevention, and public awareness are necessary for continued intervention; and

WHEREAS, For nearly 30 years various organizations and agencies in the City of Philadelphia have been working to provide safety and justice for battered women and their children. Women in Transition which began telephone counseling and support for battered women in 1971, and the following organizations should be commended for their outstanding contributions to domestic violence prevention: Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Project, Women Against Abuse, Congreso de Latinos Unidos Latina Domestic Violence Program, the District Attorney's Office, the Police Department, Institute for Safe Families of Physicians For Social Responsibility, Peaceful Posse, Philadelphia Family Violence Coordinating Council, and the Philadelphia Women's Death Review Team; now, therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the month of October 2000 be designated "Domestic Violence Awareness Month".

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Women In Transition, to further express the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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