Board proclaims October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month after brief wording debate

Representatives from Saving Grace asked the Board to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and presented a proclamation for signature. Joanna Gardner, regional services manager for Saving Grace, explained the organization’s role providing support and shelter to survivors.

During readings, one commissioner raised objections to language in the draft that referenced “systemic oppression and inequity,” saying they were not comfortable signing wording that, in their view, suggested a systemic failure by local institutions. Saving Grace clarified that victim services and prosecution roles differ — the district attorney’s office focuses on prosecution while community-based organizations provide shelter, safety planning and other supports — and requested a shared advocacy voice for funding.

The Board modified the proclamation wording to remove explicit references that had drawn objection, then approved the proclamation by voice vote. Commissioners and speakers emphasized concern about state and federal funding cuts to victim services and encouraged joint advocacy to protect funding for local services.