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AGENDA ITEM NO. 10.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE City Council AGENDA BILL For the meeting of 10/28/2025 Originating Department: City Attorney |
City Manager:
Department Head:
SUBJECT:
RESOLUTION NO. 8560, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 2025 AS “DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.”
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff Recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 8560
DISCUSSION:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women advocates around the nation who were working to end violence against women and children. The activities included mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress.
Awareness and prevention are needed now more than ever. Surveys worldwide have shown domestic abuse spiking since January of 2020, significantly higher compared to the same period in 2019. Here at home, the situation is equally troubling, with police departments reporting increases in cities around the country. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine there has been an 18% increase in San Antonio, 22% in Portland, and 10% in New York City. As with so many things, communities of color are affected more severely as well, with systemic inequities often meaning lower income and less access to social and private services. The rates of abuse are about 50% and higher for those marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and citizenship status.
This is not an issue with a simple solution given the continued need for domestic violence awareness almost 40 years after it was first established. The city and community must continue to support victims and encourage those trapped in violent relationships to put their health and safety first. The community, police, nonprofit organizations, and even family members must continue to identify and protect the vulnerable. It is only through this multilateral approach can we end this ongoing tragedy. This year the Domestic Violence Awareness Project introduced a new theme, With Survivors, Always, as both a love letter and a call to action for those committed to advocating for survivors and their need for safety, support, and solidarity.
Awareness and prevention are needed now more than ever. Surveys worldwide have shown domestic abuse spiking since January of 2020, significantly higher compared to the same period in 2019. Here at home, the situation is equally troubling, with police departments reporting increases in cities around the country. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine there has been an 18% increase in San Antonio, 22% in Portland, and 10% in New York City. As with so many things, communities of color are affected more severely as well, with systemic inequities often meaning lower income and less access to social and private services. The rates of abuse are about 50% and higher for those marginalized by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and citizenship status.
This is not an issue with a simple solution given the continued need for domestic violence awareness almost 40 years after it was first established. The city and community must continue to support victims and encourage those trapped in violent relationships to put their health and safety first. The community, police, nonprofit organizations, and even family members must continue to identify and protect the vulnerable. It is only through this multilateral approach can we end this ongoing tragedy. This year the Domestic Violence Awareness Project introduced a new theme, With Survivors, Always, as both a love letter and a call to action for those committed to advocating for survivors and their need for safety, support, and solidarity.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
NOTICING PROCEDURE:
72 hours posted notice pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act