The Town Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month during its Oct. 14 meeting.

Mayor Robin Pertlebauer presented the proclamation and representatives of the Verde Valley Sanctuary accepted it and spoke to council members. Holly Hulin, a Verde Valley Sanctuary board member, and Jesse Johnson, the sanctuary's executive director, addressed the council after the proclamation vote.

Hulin told council members that domestic violence is a public‑health issue that affects entire communities and that partnerships among public, private and nonprofit organizations are key to prevention and survivor support. Jesse Johnson summarized the nonprofit's most recent year of service: in fiscal year 2024–25 the agency served more than 1,500 survivors, provided nearly 9,500 bed nights between emergency shelter and transitional housing, and answered almost 1,300 crisis hotline calls — a 28% increase from the previous year, Johnson said. He also provided the sanctuary crisis hotline and website for people seeking help.

Council Member Babbitt Pierce moved to accept the proclamation; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. The council did not adopt additional budgetary measures at the meeting; the proclamation expresses the council's support and encourages community awareness and services during October.