October 01, 2026
WHEREAS, domestic violence offenders intentionally use a pattern of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and/or economic intimidation and abuse to control intimate partners, violating their dignity, security, and both psychological and physical well-being; and,
WHEREAS, domestic violence offenders cause significant and long-lasting trauma to countless individuals and families; and,
WHEREAS, when children are involved, domestic violence offenders’ decisions to be violent and abusive are choices that often have devastating and far-reaching adverse impacts on the safety and well-being of children and their non-offending parents, guardians or caregivers; and,
WHEREAS, the 2024 Michigan State Police's Incident Crime Report indicated there were 67,414 domestic violence incidents reported to 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 offenders accountable, employing interventions to reduce 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 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, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Michigan.
