HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-10 ProclamationWHEREAS, Domestic Violence, a serious, widespread crime that affects over 10 million Americans, is a pattern of
control in an intimate relationship where one person uses coercion and violence to gain power and
control over his or her partner; and
WHEREAS, Victims of domestic violence can be of any age, gender, ability, race, sexual orientation, religion, or
socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physicW violence by an intimate partner in
their lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, Each year, 1 in 15 children live in homes in which one of the parents (or the parent's partner) abuses the
other adult. 1 in 3 children who witnessed intimate partner violence reported being physically abused
themselves; and
WHEREAS, In Maine, a domestic violence assault is reported to law enforcement every 1 hour and 52 minutes. Each
year, domestic violence accounts for about half of the assaults reported to Maine law enforcement. In
2016, domestic violence assaults comprised 45.3% of total assaults; and
WHEREAS, With a on that every person deserves to live in peace and equality, and that just and respectful
relationships can change the world, Partners for Peace has been an integral part of our community since
it incorporated in Maine in 1973 as the third domestic violence project in the country; and
WHEREAS, Partners for Peace has resources including a 24-hour helpline, advocacy, legal services, safety planning,
support groups, shelter, transitional housing, help for children, and a directory of external resources,
available to support every person dealing with domestic violence in the community� and
WHEREAS, Partners for Peace encourage those dealing with domestic violence, including family members, friends,
co-workers, and other service providers to access their help line at 1-800-863-9909 for support and
information; and
WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to remember the lives our community has lost as a result
of domestic violence, acknowledge the injustices faced by victims of domestic abuse, and champion the
need for societal change; and
WHEREAS, This month is also an opportunity to celebrate individuals and organizations that work diligently in
partnership with survivors to end abuse and violence in the Penobscot & Piscataquis county region and
to honor survivors of domestic abuse; and
WHEREAS, As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we encourage the community to participate in End
Domestic Violence Days on October 161 by marching with Partners for Peace through downtown Bangor.
Now, Therefore, 1, Benjamin A. Sprague, Mayor of the City of Bangor, on behalf of the City Council, and the citizens of
Bangor, do hereby recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and do hereby offer our thanks and respect to
Partners for Peace, and pledge our support and cooperation for ending domestic violence in oy r community
Given this y the 10th of October.
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Benjamin A. Sprague, Mayor