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REGULAR MEETING October 8, 2018
<br /> evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and was conceived by the National
<br /> Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The "Day of Unity" soon evolved into a week, and in
<br /> October of 1987, the first (1St) National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In
<br /> 1989,Congress passed Public Law 101-112,officially designating October of that year as National
<br /> Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and, Whereas, domestic violence is a serious, widespread
<br /> crime that affects over 10 million Americans of all races, ages, gender and income levels; and,
<br /> Whereas, more than one (1) in three (3) women, thirty-seven percent (37%) and one (1) in three
<br /> (3) men, thirty-four percent (34%) in the United States report having experienced domestic
<br /> violence, stalking, sexual assault or physical assault by an intimate partner during their lifetimes;
<br /> and
<br /> Councilmember Sharon L. McBride, 415 East Broadway Street, South Bend, IN, served as a
<br /> presenter for this bill. Councilmember Sharon L. McBride stated, Whereas, children witness an
<br /> estimated, thirty-three percent (33%) of intimate partner physical assaults and those that grow up
<br /> in violent homes are often abused and neglected at a rate higher than the national average.Whereas,
<br /> intimate partner violence accounts for fifteen percent (15%) of all violent crime; at least nineteen
<br /> percent (19%) of reported domestic violence involves the use of a weapon and the presence of a
<br /> gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by five-hundred percent
<br /> (500%); and, Whereas, domestic violence costs the nation billions of dollars annually in medical
<br /> expenses, law enforcement and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-
<br /> productivity; and, Whereas, numerous community partners and allied agencies within the City of
<br /> South Bend, Indiana are dedicated to a coordinated effort to put a stop to this cycle of violence.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated,Now,therefore,be it Proclaimed by the Common Council as
<br /> follows: Section One (I). That on this 8th Day of October 2018, the South Bend Common Council
<br /> recognizes the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of South
<br /> Bend, Indiana. Section Two (II). The South Bend Common Council urges all its residents to work
<br /> together to take a stand to eliminate domestic violence from our community by learning more
<br /> about prevention and by showing support for the numerous organizations and individuals who
<br /> provide critical advocacy, services and assistance to victims. Section Three (III). This resolution
<br /> shall be enacted upon the passage of the South Bend Common Council and signed by the Mayor
<br /> of South Bend, Indiana.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis continued, I really am glad that we are doing this early in my life. I
<br /> have had to deal with this matter from family members and classmates. One(1)of the young ladies
<br /> in my high school, I'll never forget, was going through a divorce and her husband killed her and
<br /> her little baby found her from that standpoint. When you see this in your own family and churches
<br /> it is something that touches your heart and it makes you realize we need to do more individually
<br /> and as a community.
<br /> Susan Tybon,President and CEO of the YWCA with offices located at 1221 Fellows Street, South
<br /> Bend, IN, stated, I want to thank you for acknowledging that October is for domestic violence
<br /> awareness. One (1) in three (3) women are the victims of domestic violence within their lifetime
<br /> and we, at the YWCA, have served 3,200 women within the past year. I think the statistics are
<br /> really reaching epidemic proportions so we offer a lot of educational programs and a lot of work
<br /> in prevention. If you know of a workplace or school system that could use a presentation, we are
<br /> doing everything we can to try to educate and prevent further victims of domestic violence. I thank
<br /> you for increasing awareness because there is still a stigma. A lot of women are embarrassed and
<br /> ashamed to come forward and with statistics being so high, women need the support of the entire
<br /> community. I thank you for taking a step to support women and victims of domestic violence.
<br /> Council President Tim Scott gave the floor to Council Members for comment.
<br /> Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, This is such an important issue. I want to thank
<br /> Councilmember Davis and the others for bringing this to the community. It is certainly something,
<br /> especially in light of the recent violence we've been seeing. Many of the stories we hear that come
<br /> out of these shootings have to deal with domestic issues. Knowing that and recognizing that is
<br /> really important. It is also important that we take the opportunity to educate our whole community,
<br /> particularly those young people. Again, thank you and I look forward to doing more work with
<br /> you as well on this issue.
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