Governor Stein Proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

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, in the United States, more than one in three women and one in six men have experienced sexual and physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime; and

Whereas, in 2025, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence found evidence of at least 66 homicide victims who died because of domestic violence and at least 19 suicides directly correlated to experiencing domestic abuse; and

Whereas, historically underserved populations such as LGBTQ+ individuals, those of low socioeconomic status, immigrants, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, people with lower English proficiency, and people living in rural or remote locations are disproportionately affected by domestic violence; and

Whereas, during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, 2,284 domestic violence abusers in North Carolina were referred to 34 approved Domestic Violence Intervention Programs with 1,921 enrolled in the program and 1,175 completing the program, according to the NC Division for Women and Youth; and

Whereas, domestic violence is a serious public health issue that results in billions of dollars spent each year on medical, mental health, and loss of work productivity costs. However, despite the level of need, countless domestic violence programs are facing funding shortages and are operating at a reduced capacity; and

Whereas, by working together, we can build a culture where intimate partner violence is not tolerated and all individuals can be safe, respected, and free from abuse;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-fifth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.