Board proclaims October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Board proclaims October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness ... Multnomah County
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclaimed in Multnomah County
October 20, 2023
Video of Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023
The Board of County Commissioners in Multnomah County proclaimed October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, following the calls for more resources from domestic violence survivors and community-based providers. This proclamation is significant in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Impact of Domestic Violence
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 10 million people experience domestic or family violence each year. This includes 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men who report experiencing domestic violence during their lifetime. Domestic violence takes various forms, such as physical abuse, intimidation, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or other abusive behavior. It often occurs as part of a pattern of control within intimate partner relationships.
Commissioner Lori Stegmann emphasized the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and acknowledged the valuable insights from those with lived experience. Survivors and their children require access to safe housing, economic resources, and comprehensive support services to promote stability and healing.
Addressing Unmet Needs
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordination Office in Multnomah County plays a crucial role in providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In 2022, the office offered crisis services to approximately 250 families. However, there is an ongoing unmet need for resources, hindering survivors from accessing essential support. Brooke Golden, a coordinator for domestic violence support services at the YWCA of Greater Portland, highlighted the importance of financial resources in establishing connections to the community for survivors fleeing abusive situations.
New Recommendations for Supporting Survivors
The Multnomah County Community Advisory Board for sexual assault and domestic violence, which includes survivor Madrona Piper, has been actively working to shape state legislation that promotes the safety and comfort of survivors. They have recently produced several recommendations for the Oregon State Legislature to adopt. These recommendations include survivor-centered training for first responders, legal protections for crimes committed under coercion and force from abusers, and fair compensation for survivors’ expertise and lived experience in leadership roles.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards expressed interest in learning more about these recommendations and exploring ways in which the county can support or advocate for them. It is crucial for the county to invest in actions that align with the SDGs and prioritize the well-being and empowerment of domestic violence survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help and support are available at the Call to Safety Crisis line (1-888-235-5333) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed in the Article:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Targets Identified based on the Article’s Content:
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Number of domestic violence survivors accessing rent assistance, peer recovery, housing support, and crisis response services (related to Target 5.2)
- Percentage of women and men who report experiencing domestic violence during their lifetime (related to Target 5.2)
- Number of crisis services provided to families by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordination Office (related to Target 16.1)
- Number of instances of “unmet needs” recorded by the YWCA (related to Target 10.2)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | – Number of domestic violence survivors accessing rent assistance, peer recovery, housing support, and crisis response services – Percentage of women and men who report experiencing domestic violence during their lifetime |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | – Number of instances of “unmet needs” recorded by the YWCA |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – Number of crisis services provided to families by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordination Office |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: multco.us
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