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WHEREAS, across the country and right here in our community, domestic violence traumatizes victims, endangers children, harms families and threatens communities, and,
WHEREAS, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people but cross all economic, racial and societal barriers and are supported by societal indifference ; and,
WHEREAS, 180 women were killed in acts of domestic violence in Pennsylvania in 2005 and 109 children killed since 1997; and,
WHEREAS; we must raise awareness to prevent domestic violence by supporting and participating in the activities of the numerous domestic violence service providers such as the Alle-Kiski Hope Center, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, the Center for Victims of Violent Crime, Womensplace and the Women's Center and Shelter; and,
WHEREAS; activities include programs such as the SAVEWALK, the Survivor Quilt, the Silent Witness Initiative, Sheila's Shawls, the Domestic Violence Crisis Response Team, and the Victim Memorial Garden and Park, and,
WHEREAS; Joanne Witkowski, the Prevention Education Specialist for Womensplace, has played a pivotal role in raising awareness to domestic violence through her professional and personal dedication to education and prevention and deserves special recognition for her unwavering passion to protect women and children.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes Joanne Witkowski for her leadership and commitment to the eradication of domestic violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Pittsburgh.