PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman
WHEREAS, Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality; and
WHEREAS, Domestic violence is more than the occasional family dispute. Nationally, one in four women and one in seven men will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, 19% of intimate partner violence involves a weapon. An abuser’s access to a firearm increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by 400%; and
WHEREAS, One in five teens in the United States, in a serious dating relationship, report that they have been physically abused by their partner; and
WHEREAS, The Coronavirus pandemic has caused an increase in calls to domestic violence hotlines across the state of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes. Domestic violence is the most reported violent crime in the Town of Greenwich, and last year, YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services responded to more than 7,031 calls to its hotline; and
WHEREAS, YWCA Greenwich, is the only agency in Greenwich designated by the State of Connecticut to provide services to victims of domestic abuse; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Greenwich must unite to directly confront this crisis. Law enforcement officials, those involved with shelters and hotline services, health care providers, the clergy and other concerned citizens are helping in an effort to end domestic violence. We must recognize the compassion and dedication of those volunteers and professionals, applaud their efforts and increase public understanding of this important problem.
NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim October 2021 as
Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month