Armando Pavoni, mayor of Renton, proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged residents to support survivors and community programs.

Why it matters: City officials said the proclamation signals municipal support for local advocacy groups and awareness campaigns — including the Purple Night Lights initiative and a local Purple Thursday on Oct. 17 — that organizers say help survivors access services.

What speakers said: Domestic violence victim advocate Tina Harris read a list of local victims the advocacy community memorialized and thanked local service providers and the Renton prosecuting attorney’s office for coordinating responses to serious cases. Harris noted a range of community organizations involved in support and intervention work.

Gina Finley, executive director of Dawn Rising, thanked the council for recognizing the month and described the agency’s services. “Every night, women, children, and families find refuge at Dawn’s shelter because of your ongoing support,” Finley said. She told the council Dawn Rising answers “about 400 calls each month” and urged continued funding and public support. Finley also invited residents to the agency’s interactive online resource at dawnrising.org.

Council action and context: The council moved and seconded the proclamation and approved it by voice vote. Following the presentation council members and agency representatives took a photo at the dais; multiple local nonprofits and community partners joined the proclamation presentation.

Next steps: The city will display purple lights on trees in front of City Hall and encourage residents to participate in Purple Thursday on Oct. 17 as a visible sign of solidarity, per the proclamation text.