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, domestic violence affects more than one out of four women, and this seriously impacts their lives; and

WHEREAS, the dangers presented by domestic violence were tragically illustrated by the death of King County Corrections Officer Barbara Jo Hawkins and her daughter, Bretta Joan Hawkins, who were killed by Barbara’s estranged husband on March 13, 2009, at her Orting home; and

WHEREAS, King County has experienced at least six additional domestic violence homicides during the past year, including Jane Kariuki, Fatima Zavala, Noemi Lopez, Ann Marie Naimo, Braxton Washington, and Cheri Stewart; and

WHEREAS, the community agencies dedicated to ending domestic violence were honored in a South King County rally on Oct. 2 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, and will be recognized by King County and the City of Seattle at a joint reception on Oct. 13; and

WHEREAS, the 10th Annual Take Action Against Domestic Violence Awards will be presented by the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence on Oct. 29; and

WHEREAS, for 22 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 survivors;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby proclaim October 2009 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 fifth day of October, 2009.