Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/12/2009

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

OCTOBER IS 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 Health and Human Services Departments, the Sheriff's Office, the YWCA, the Commission on the Status of Women and the District Attorney's Office to raise awareness on the impacts of domestic violence on victims, their children and the community at large.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "Each year, all of us who work together to combat domestic violence and to help victims heal, set aside time during the month of October to raise awareness in the community on this important topic."

The Executive Director of the YWCA, Denise Frey, stated, “In this difficult economic climate with state cuts for funds, we must continue to work in a collaborative spirit. Our relationship with law enforcement is very strong and we appreciate what they do, especially the Sheriff’s Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Unit.

Dr. Mary Maddox-Gonzales said, “Domestic violence is a public health issue in our community and it is important to place our focus on this serious topic.”

The public is encouraged to take part in the many activities sponsored by community-based and public agency partners to bring awareness to issues surrounding family violence.

AA Week Without Violence@ Events, sponsored by the YWCA and District Attorney:

"Purple Flags" -- The YWCA has once again displayed purple flags in front of the Sheriff's Office and the Police Departments of the Cities of Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Sonoma during the month of October to call attention to the number of incidents of abuse that have been reported to law enforcement throughout Sonoma County during the past year. This year there are over 2,000 flags on display.

"Clothesline Project" -- A Special Display of the YWCA's Clothesline Project, a powerful display of t-shirts created by survivors of domestic violence will be on view in Sonoma at the Plaza on Friday, October 16th and in Healdsburg at the Plaza on Saturday, October 17th.

"Healthy Body, Healthy Relationships" -- A Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held at Spring Lake on Saturday, October 24th.at 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Violetti Road entrance.