In a recent government meeting, House Resolution 541 was introduced by Representative Delosier, aiming to designate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The resolution seeks to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence, which affects a significant portion of the population in Pennsylvania.
Representative Delosier highlighted alarming statistics, noting that one in three women and one in four men experience physical, sexual, or stalking abuse from an intimate partner annually in the state. In 2023 alone, 119 victims lost their lives to domestic violence, with over half killed by a current or former partner. The representative emphasized the critical link between domestic violence and pregnancy, revealing that 20% of women face abuse during this vulnerable time, making homicide the leading cause of death among pregnant women in the U.S.
The resolution also aims to raise awareness about the economic impact of domestic violence, which is estimated to cost Pennsylvania $156 billion over a victim's lifetime. Delosier, who has dedicated over 30 years to volunteering with domestic violence and rape crisis services, underscored the importance of community support and resources for victims.
As part of the awareness campaign, Delosier announced a partnership with the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties to present the \"Red Lady\" exhibit. This life-size figure symbolizes the countless women and children who have lost their lives to domestic violence, serving as a poignant reminder of the issue and the available support for victims.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to recognize the signs of domestic violence and to reach out for help, reinforcing the message that victims are not alone and that support is available.