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Puyallup proclaims October domestic violence awareness month; advocates speak during council meeting
Summary
Mayor Jim Castellan presented a proclamation declaring October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Puyallup. Victim advocate Jeanette Murad accepted the proclamation; members of the public praised the city's programs and called for continued community support.
Mayor Jim Castellan presented a proclamation at the Oct. 21 Puyallup City Council meeting declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city of Puyallup and urging community support for victims and prevention programs.
The proclamation noted that "domestic violence is a public health crisis that involves a pattern of behavior used by one individual to establish and maintain power and control over the other," and referenced the city's domestic violence victim advocate and local support services and programs such as Purple Light Nights. Mayor Castellan signed and affixed the city seal to the proclamation.
Jeanette Murad, who the mayor invited forward to accept the proclamation, thanked the council and the mayor "for continually supporting the efforts... that we are working with victims." Murad told the council she had received cards and emails from people helped by the programs and expressed appreciation for city support and the police department.
Public comment: Angeline Izquierdo spoke during the public comment period in support of the proclamation and described the broader social dynamics she sees around domestic violence and exploitation; she thanked the city for programs including Purple Light Nights. Bud Metzger also spoke, urging respect and full support for domestic violence advocates and criticizing prior public statements made toward advocates; he said domestic violence poses serious risks to victims and first responders and urged funding and support.
Why it matters: The proclamation formally recognizes the city's role in supporting victims and raises public awareness. Councilmembers receiving public comment asked that remarks not single out individual council members during public comment and provided an opportunity for any addressed member to briefly respond; Councilmember Dean Johnson addressed an earlier comment and said he could not recall the specific incident referenced.
Ending note: The proclamation will be entered into the meeting record. Councilmembers and speakers urged continued funding and community support for victim services.
