October 2023: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WHEREAS, domestic violence perpetrators intentionally use a pattern of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and/or economic coercion and abuse to control their intimate partners, violating their dignity, security, and both psychological and physical well-being; and,

WHEREAS, domestic violence perpetrators cause significant and long-lasting trauma to countless individuals and families; and,

WHEREAS, when children are involved, domestic violence perpetrators' choice to be violent and abusive often has devastating and far-reaching adverse impacts on the safety and well-being of children and their non-offending parents; and,

WHEREAS, the 2022 Michigan State Police's Incident Crime Report indicated that there were 64,545 domestic violence offenses committed by current or former intimate partners reported to Michigan law enforcement during the year; and,

WHEREAS, survivors of domestic violence are present in every Michigan community, regardless of sexual orientation, race, religion, ability, age, and gender identity; and,

WHEREAS, members of the LGBTQ+ community reported levels of intimate partner violence equal to or higher than those who identify as heterosexual; and,

WHEREAS, more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women and men have experienced violence in their lifetime, and more than one in three experienced violence in the past year; and,

WHEREAS, the Black community experiences domestic violence at disproportionately higher rates, with 45.1% of Black women and 40.1% of Black men experiencing intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking in their lifetimes; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is committed to holding domestic violence perpetrators accountable, employing interventions to reduce the risk and harm to all victims, as well as providing victims with the resources and support they deserve to enhance their safety and well-being; and,

WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to learn more about domestic violence and to demonstrate support for the numerous organizations and individuals who engage in advocacy, provide services, and offer assistance to victims; and,

WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the strength and courage of those currently surviving abuse as well as to honor those who were murdered or harmed at the hands of their current or former partners;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Michigan.