WHEREAS, domestic violence, which can include physical, mental, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, is a means of intimidation and violence to influence and control a partner involved in an intimate relationship; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking; and
WHEREAS, intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States; in 2019-2020, almost 60,000 North Carolinians received domestic violence services according to the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious public health problem that results in billions of dollars spent annually in medical, mental health, and lost work productivity costs; and
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence survivors have experienced increased isolation from support services, reduced capacity of crisis centers, virtual court proceedings, increased symptoms of mental health conditions, and financial stress; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence will likely increase post-pandemic due to limited protections, displacement, and/or the need to rely on abusers for physical and financial survival; domestic violence survivors, including those in rural areas, those of low socioeconomic status, those who are immigrants, and those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community will be disproportionately affected by these conditions; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes the significant impact domestic violence has on North Carolina individuals, families, children, schools, and workplaces, and in our military and veteran communities; and
WHEREAS, by working together, we can raise awareness and break the cycle of violence in order to build communities that are safer for all;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2021, as “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.