York County Commissioners have officially proclaimed October 2025 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating domestic violence. The announcement was made during the recent commissioners' meeting, where Vice President Commissioner Burford read the proclamation, highlighting the alarming statistics that reveal 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner.

The proclamation acknowledges the critical role that local organizations, such as the YWCA of Hanover and YWCA York, play in supporting victims through various services, including legal assistance, housing advocacy, and therapeutic support. Rachel Wonder, a supervising advocate at the YWCA Hanover, expressed gratitude for the recognition and outlined the ongoing efforts to assist survivors and victims in the community.

Wonder emphasized the significance of October as a time to honor those affected by domestic violence, including survivors and those who have tragically lost their lives. She encouraged community members to engage with the YWCA's planned events throughout the month, aimed at raising awareness and fostering support for those impacted by domestic violence.

The commissioners' proclamation serves as a call to action for citizens, churches, schools, and businesses to educate themselves and participate in efforts to prevent domestic violence, reinforcing that such behavior will not be tolerated in York County. The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, signaling an open dialogue on this pressing issue.