Proclaim October 2021 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Whereas,Domestic Violence is a crime that touches the lives of Portlanders of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children, especially those with marginalized and intersectional identities; and
Whereas,Reported incidences of Domestic Violence in Portland have risen dramatically over the course of the pandemic; and
Whereas, Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness among families in the United States and is a significant contributing factor to unemployment and poverty. Nearly 8 million days of paid work each year is lost due to domestic violence issues – the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs.; and
Whereas,Portland has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to addressing this problem in partnership with Multnomah County, the District Attorney’s Office, and community providers; and
Whereas,Eleven years ago, the City of Portland in cooperation with Multnomah County, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office, the Multnomah County Circuit Court and community partners opened the area’s first one-stop center for domestic violence survivors—The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services; and
Whereas,Children who are exposed to domestic violence experience higher levels of adult depression and trauma symptoms, and are much more likely than children not exposed to violence to use and/or tolerate violence in their adult relationships; and
Whereas,Despite this commitment, far too many people, families, and children in our communities are affected by domestic violence; and
Whereas,The City of Portland recognizes and thanks all of the organizations and groups that are committed to address, prevent, and heal from Domestic Violence, often working directly with survivors to ensure that they have access to employment opportunities, housing, legal resources, and other services;
Now, therefore,I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim October of 2021 to be
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month by gaining awareness of these issues and supporting organizations that work to address, prevent, help, and heal those affected by domestic violence.