October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

County Mayor Mike Foster Tuesday signed a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Rachel Pugh, Advocate for the Genesis House, was also on hand for the signing.
The proclamation states “Whereas, domestic violence affects every person of DeKalb County, Tennessee as a victim survivor or as a family member, significant other, neighbor or co-worker of a survivor; and
Whereas, many citizens of DeKalb County, Tennessee are working to provide quality services and assistance to domestic violence survivors; and dedicated volunteer help staff 24-hour hotlines, respond to emergency calls and offer support, comfort, and advocacy during times of crisis, criminal proceedings, and throughout the healing process; and
Whereas, DeKalb County, Tennessee staff and volunteers of domestic violence programs are promoting prevention education by offering training to schools, churches, and civic organizations, as well as medical, and mental health, law enforcement, education, and criminal justice personnel regarding domestic violence issues; and
Whereas, it is vitally important that continued education efforts to provide information about prevention and services for domestic violence be supported and enhanced; and
Whereas, it is critical to intensify public awareness of domestic violence, to educate people about the need for citizen involvement in efforts to reduce domestic violence, to increase support for agencies providing domestic violence services, and to increase awareness of the healing power of creative expression; and
Whereas, Genesis House requests public support and assistance as it continues to work toward a society where all women, children, and men can live in peace, free from violence and exploitation;
Now, therefore, I Mike Foster, County Mayor of DeKalb County, Tennessee do hereby proclaim the month of October, 2012 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in DeKalb County, and I commend this observance to all citizens.”