Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Effective Date: Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
WHEREAS, Alaska continues to strive to overcome the high rates of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, the safety and health of Alaskans is vital to the wellness of our state; and
WHEREAS, violence within the home and within relationships breaks the core of the human spirit and jeopardizes the humanity that exists in every community; and
WHEREAS, domestic and sexual violence harms victims physically, sexually, psychologically, and economically with both immediate and long-term consequences; and
WHEREAS, everyone has the right live without harm and without the fear of harm; and
WHEREAS, the most vulnerable group of Alaskans, our children, are burdened with the longest healing and toughest obstacles to recovery; and
WHEREAS, our state has committed through policy, practice, and funding to increase the number of law enforcement personnel to better respond to immediate needs, expand and improve victim services, develop and implement prevention efforts, and encourage every Alaskan to Choose Respect in all relationships; and
WHEREAS, every individual has the capacity to help another in need, by virtue of believing his or her story and offering to help.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
in Alaska, and ask all Alaskans to Choose Respect by not standing by while others are hurt, by supporting victims of violence, and by participating in community efforts to break the cycle of violence.
