WHEREAS, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established in October 1987 to create a community dialogue about violence, to advocate for legislation and law enforcement to protect victims, and to encourage public awareness and action against abuse; and

WHEREAS, the King County Domestic Violence Council, which was established and led by King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng, is partnering this year with the City of Seattle to present the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Rally on Oct. 3, honoring professionals who work to end domestic diolence, including Community Service Officer Scott Dungan and Deputy Jerry Gilley of the King County Sheriff’s Office, and Administrative Assistant Pam Hall of the Federal Way Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the Take Action Take Action Against Domestic Violence Awards on Oct. 23 will recognize the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Laura Doyle, Rabbi Moshe Kletenik, Rachel Griego, Celia Forrest and Sheri Yeatts; and

WHEREAS, the community agencies dedicated to ending domestic violence include the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, the South King County Community Network, the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network, Chaya, and New Beginnings; and

WHEREAS, King County’s domestic violence homicide victims in 2008 include Tracey Lee Creamer, Debra Lynn Bonilla, Stephanie Campeau and Baerbel “Babs” Karin Roznowski; and

WHEREAS, for 21 years, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has marked a time to mourn those who have died because of domestic violence, to celebrate those who have survived, to connect those who work to end violence, and to educate lawmakers, community leaders, and police officers about the real dangers of domestic violence and the need to protect victims;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby proclaim October 2008 as

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

in King County and congratulate the efforts of women and men who work tirelessly to end domestic violence in our communities as well as the brave women and men who are survivors and had the courage to get help.

DATED this twenty-second day of September, 2008.