During a recent government meeting, board members emphasized the urgent need to address domestic violence within the community. Highlighting alarming statistics, they noted that one in four women and one in seven men are victims of intimate partner violence, often affecting families with children.

The board expressed a commitment to raising awareness about prevention, intervention, and available resources, stressing that domestic violence is a pervasive issue that impacts neighborhoods across the region. They acknowledged the challenges faced by local shelters, which are currently at capacity, and discussed the importance of distinguishing domestic violence shelters from general homeless shelters.

Thanks to recent legislative support, funding has been secured through a food and beverage tax collected from participating restaurants. This funding will aid in the construction and operation of dedicated domestic violence shelters, providing essential services to those in need.

The board encouraged community members to voice their needs and concerns, reinforcing their role as an advisory body not just to the county commission but to the residents themselves. They concluded the meeting by distributing awareness cards to further promote the cause and foster community engagement in addressing domestic violence.