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Imperial proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Woman Haven leaders urge community action
Summary
The Imperial City Council adopted a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Leaders from Woman Haven and survivors spoke at the meeting, urged community education and support services, and outlined local events and resources.
The Imperial City Council on Wednesday adopted a proclamation designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Imperial. Mayor James Tucker read the proclamation and invited local advocates to speak about services and community events.
The proclamation notes that “domestic violence remains a widespread and deeply troubling issue that impacts people across all demographics” and called on residents to support awareness events and local prevention efforts. Gina Vargas, executive director of Woman Haven, thanked the city and said the proclamation “is more than just on paper and words. It is a statement of unity and hope.”
Vargas and several Woman Haven board members and survivors described local needs and outreach. Verna, identified in remarks as a survivor and “thriver,” urged comprehensive education for children, saying, “As a child of domestic violence, 1 day my legacy would be to For us to have curriculum throughout the whole Imperial County school system at every school site across Imperial County.”
Outreach specialist Christian Gamble and board members also attended the presentation. Hector Mantriquez, a correctional officer who said he had used Woman Haven’s services after losing his mother, described volunteering with the organization and asked the community to “create more awareness to help all the victims.”
Council members thanked the organization and its volunteers, emphasized that services are available to men and families as well as women, and encouraged residents to attend the month’s events, including remembrance activities referenced by Woman Haven. Woman Haven also recognized long-time legal services director Judith Klein Preacher, who the group cited for 35 years of work assisting survivors with restraining orders and legal support.
The council did not take separate action beyond adopting the proclamation. Speakers invited the public to join awareness events in October, and the group posed for a photo with council members following the presentation.
Why it matters: The proclamation formally recognizes a coordinated awareness effort by a local nonprofit and signals continued city support for outreach, legal assistance and education targeted at survivors and families affected by domestic violence.
Looking ahead: Woman Haven listed several October events tied to the proclamation and asked residents to use social media and community platforms to amplify prevention messages and survivor supports.
