October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In support for raising awareness, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors unanimously declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The supervisors unanimously approved the proclamation during the Tuesday, Oct. 8 meeting.
According to the proclamation, Lassen Family Services provided 892 domestic violence and sexual assault related services to 241 individual men, women and children.
“One in every four women and one in every seven men will experience domestic violence during their lifetime; and … Two out of three children are exposed to trauma and violence,” read the proclamation.
“When a family member is abused, it can have long-term damaging effects on the victim that also leave a mark on family, friends, and the community at large … families are indispensable to a stable society, and they should be a place of support to instill responsibility and values in the next generation … violence against women and children is a prevalent social ill due to the historical imbalance of power in gender and age; however, domestic violence is widespread and is devastating to society as a whole.”
The proclamation noted domestic violence was not confined to one group or groups of people, and could affect anyone.
“Victims of violence should have access to medical and legal services, counseling, emergency and transitional housing and other supportive services so that they can escape the cycle of abuse … victims of violence and their families may seek assistance from appropriate victims’ services organizations such as Lassen Family Services.”
It continued to state many important partnerships help to service domestic violence victims and their families and raise awareness of the issue.
“Local programs, state coalitions, national organizations and other agencies nationwide are committed to increasing public awareness of domestic violence and its prevalence, and to eliminating it through prevention and education,” the approved proclamation read.
During this month of awareness, Lassen Family Services is hosting its annual Dancing For A Brand New Me event at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
This event, which features six different couples, is a fundraiser to help support services provided to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
For tickets, stop by Margie’s Book Nook or Lassen Family Services, at 1306 Riverside Drive, in Susanville.
For more information and to learn about this year’s six dancing couples, visit lassenfamilyservices.org.