Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/12/07

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PROCLAIMS OCTOBER AS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. This resolution was requested by the Commission on the Status of Women, the Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Office to raise the awareness of domestic violence.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, “We must continue to do everything we can to ensure that no woman has to suffer silently or alone with no place to go and no one to turn for help. Together, we can eliminate domestic violence from homes across the country and ensure that our children grow up in healthy, peaceful communities. We must continue to teach our children that domestic violence is a cowardly and unacceptable crime.”

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to fostering strong relationships across all disciplines to prevent family violence in Sonoma County and provide victims and children with comprehensive services. The recently restructured Family Violence Prevention Council consists of 32 members representing an array of agencies, departments, and community organizations that handle family violence education, intervention, prevention and suppression efforts. District Attorney Passalacqua and the Superior Court are co-chairs of the Council. The members meet bi-monthly and are committed to ensuring an effective, cooperative, and coordinated community response to end family violence.

During the month of October, many public and private agencies will participate in educational events addressing the issues of family violence. The community is encouraged to take part in the many activities planned to raise awareness on this important topic.

Sunday, 10/14: A Day of Remembrance. Members of our faith-based communities choose to hold a moment of silence during their religious services to recognize those lost due to domestic violence.

Monday, 10/15: Protecting Our Children. Purple flags will be on display throughout the County, each flag signifying one reported incident of domestic violence from the past year.

Tuesday, 10/16: Making Our Schools Safer. YWCA Advocates are sponsoring an Essay Contest on “A safe school, what does it look like?” in six middle schools throughout the County. Winners will be chosen on this day.

Wednesday, 10/17: Confronting Violence Against Women. Our community must be educated and trained to eliminate violence against women. YWCA Advocates will deliver brochures, posters, and purple ribbons to health care clinics, hospitals, and legal centers.

Thursday, 10/18: Confronting Violence Against Men. Advocates will be delivering campaign materials to local programs serving men and inviting them to confront domestic violence.

Friday, 10/19: Eliminating Racism and Hate Crimes. Educating against ignorance, prejudice and hate is the first step on the path to understanding and appreciating our differences.

Saturday, 10/20: Walk Without Violence. Held from 2:00pm - 5:00pm in Santa Rosa Courthouse Square, is a walk to promote awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community.