The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners formally recognized October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month at its Oct. 14 meeting, reading a proclamation that cited national and state statistics and local work by county justice partners and nonprofit service providers.

The proclamation noted national figures and cited Georgia data for 2024 and 2023; county leaders referenced statewide partnerships and local programs that assist victims and families. The board recognized the work of the district attorney's office, the solicitor general's office and the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Jean Douglas, executive director of the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, accepted the proclamation and told the commission the agency had served more than 100,000 victims over nearly 40 years and that newly obtained data indicated 19 domestic-violence-related fatalities in DeKalb County in the most recent reporting period, a number she said was the highest in the state.

Officials highlighted coordinated prosecution efforts, victim supports and an October 16 candlelight vigil hosted by the Women's Resource Center. The proclamation and remarks stressed prevention, accountability, and continued cross-agency collaboration.

Why it matters: The proclamation formalizes county-level recognition and directs attention to services and prevention work while signaling continued partnership between government and nonprofit responders.