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WHEREAS, domestic violence has affected countless families, and is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-44 in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is often repeated as boys who witness domestic violence in their homes are 1,500 times more likely to perpetrate abuse later in life, and 50% of girls who grow up in an abusive home will go on to become victims later in life; and
WHEREAS, the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, founded in 1974, provides sanctuary to victims of domestic violence, in addition to a wide range of support services and preventative programs; and
WHEREAS, the Women's Center and Shelter services include: regular support group meetings, legal advocacy to help victims navigate our complex court systems, and medical advocates who provide training to healthcare professionals to improve responses to victims of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, the Women's Center and Shelter also offers educational outreach programs to help prevent domestic violence, such as the nationally-recognized "Hands are Not for Hurting" curriculum that teaches violence prevention and intervention to children in Head Start through the 12th grade;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for helping victims, and working to prevent domestic violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the month of October, 2013, to be "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the City of Pittsburgh.