Resolution 070839

..Title Proclaiming October 2007 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." ..Body The City Council of Philadelphia designates the month of October 2007, as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Philadelphia and encourages the analysis and examination of violence against men and women and to address the harm caused by domestic and sexual violence. WHEREAS, The impact of domestic violence continues to be wide ranging, directly affecting individuals and society as a whole, here in and around this community, throughout the United States, and the world; and WHEREAS, City Council has been and continues to be in the forefront of recognizing how domestic violence traumatizes victims, endangers children, harms families, and threatens the quality of life in our communities; and WHEREAS, The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group of people, but cut across all economic, racial and societal barriers, and are supported by societal indifference; and WHEREAS, The National Institute of Justice and the Center for Disease Control estimates that 1.5 million women and 835,000 men are the victims of domestic violence each year; and WHEREAS, The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) expired in September 2005, jeopardizing the remarkable gains it has generated in reducing the occurrences of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, meaning progress could come to a halt if Congress does not reauthorize VAWA; and WHEREAS, A vast majority of Americans realize Congress should act to reauthorize and enhance existing VAWA programs and include new programs that better respond to community needs; and WHEREAS, It is necessary for this Council and the citizens of Philadelphia to remain thoroughly informed on all issues related to the impact of domestic violence and how it directly affects our community, and to have a reliable response and resource system; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Month of October 2007, be declared "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Philadelphia and encourages the analysis and examination of violence against men and women and to address the harm caused by domestic and sexual violence. ..End