resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to increase public awareness of domestic violence, honor survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost, and promote prevention and community action; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can include physical violence, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, intimidation, stalking, coercive control, and financial abuse; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence can affect individuals and families regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic circumstances and can have devastating and lasting consequences for victims, children, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, children exposed to domestic violence may experience fear, trauma, instability, and other consequences that can affect their emotional well-being, education, relationships, and development; and
WHEREAS, survivors can face significant barriers when attempting to leave abusive relationships, including financial dependence, isolation, threats, housing insecurity, concern for children, and fear of retaliation; and
WHEREAS, law-enforcement officers, prosecutors, courts, health-care professionals, victim advocates, domestic-violence shelters, counselors, social-service organizations, educators, and community organizations play an essential role in protecting victims and supporting survivors; and
WHEREAS, preventing domestic violence requires education, early intervention, community awareness, support for survivors, accountability for perpetrators, and a sustained commitment to building safe and healthy families and relationships; and
WHEREAS, the County of Genesee recognizes the courage of survivors who seek safety and assistance and honors those whose lives have been lost as a result of domestic violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes October 2026 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Genesee County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board encourages residents and community organizations to increase awareness of domestic violence, support survivors, learn about available resources, and work toward preventing domestic violence in all its forms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County of Genesee recognizes that every person has the right to live free from violence, abuse, intimidation, and fear and encourages the entire community to work toward safer homes, healthier families, and safer communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners expresses its appreciation to the advocates, first responders, law-enforcement officers, health-care professionals, counselors, shelters, volunteers, and organizations that work every day to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence.