Proclamation in the Board of Commissioners for Washington County, Oregon
Whereas: Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse that individuals use to maintain power and control over their intimate partners; and
Whereas: Domestic violence is a crime that differs from all others due to the intimate relationship between the victim and the batterer. It touches every Person in Washington County and society as a whole; and
Whereas: The crime of domestic violence violates an individual’s dignity, safety, and basic human rights; and
Whereas: Domestic violence is especially harmful to children. Children who are exposed to domestic violence experience feelings of terror, isolation, guilt, helplessness, and grief. They have a higher risk of engaging in criminal behavior, substance abuse and becoming victims of crime in the community; and
Whereas: Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, racial, sexual preference, economic, age, educational and religious lines; and
Whereas: Societal norms such as rigid sex roles and emphasis on the importance of keeping silent about family problems support domestic violence; and
Whereas: Domestic violence survivors themselves have been at the forefront of the efforts to raise public awareness of domestic violence, to promote healing, and to hold batterers accountable for their actions; and
Whereas: Individuals and programs throughout Washington County are working to end domestic violence.
Therefore, Be it Resolved that Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaim the month of October 2007 as Washington County Domestic Violence
Awareness Month and be it further resolved that a suitably prepared copy of this proclamation be presented to the citizens of Washington County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of Washington County, Oregon, to be
affixed this 18th day of September, 2007.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
Tom Brian, Chairman
