body
WHEREAS, one in every four women will experience intimate partner violence in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year; and,
WHEREAS, the consequences of intimate partner violence can cross generations and last a lifetime; and, although it had been taking place for centuries, it wasn't until the early 1970s that domestic violence was even given a name and recognized as a national problem; and,
WHEREAS, founded in 1974 by Ellen Berliner and Anne Steytler, Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) was one of the first six shelters in the United States for battered women; and,
WHEREAS, since that time, Women's Center & Shelter has been at the forefront of creating and implementing innovative and effective programming aimed at preventing partner violence and providing services to intimate partner violence victims; and,
WHEREAS, today, Women's Center & Shelter provides high quality, confidential and free programs offered in an environment where cultural competency, justice, autonomy, restoration, and safety are priorities; and,
WHEREAS, each year, Women's Center & Shelter serves nearly 7,000 individuals through their programs and services; and,
WHEREAS, Women's Center & Shelter works to advance the safety and well-being of victims of intimate partner violence and prevent and respond to intimate partner violence through social change.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby pay tribute to Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh's 40 decades of courage, strength, and hope; and,
title
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 2, 2014, "Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.