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, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 2 women and more than 2 in 5 men in the United States will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime including sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking; and
WHEREAS, according to NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s grant funded agencies, more than 75,000 North Carolinians received domestic violence services in 2021-22, and more than 3,000 were referred to Domestic Violence Intervention Programs for offenders between April 2021 and March 2022, with than 1,200 completing the full 26-week program; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence found evidence of at least 47 domestic violence-related homicides in North Carolina, including 11 victims whose perpetrators died by suicide; consequently, domestic violence is a serious public health issue that results in billions of dollars spent annually in medical, mental health, and lost work productivity costs; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that historically underserved populations experience higher rates of intimate partner violence, including individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community, those of low socioeconomic status, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities; and
WHEREAS, limited supply of and access to affordable housing across North Carolina increasingly limits the ability of communities to respond to and prevent further domestic violence; 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 build a culture where intimate partner violence is not tolerated and all individuals can be safe, feel respected, and live free from abuse;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2023, as “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.