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Health and Human Services Agency, with sponsorship by Supervisor Veerkamp and Supervisor Turnboo, recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation recognizing October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Domestic violence impacts individuals in every community, regardless of age, socio-economic status, religion, race, sexual orientation, or nationality. It is often characterized by a pattern of power and control between intimate relationships, where one partner uses abusive behavior against another. In addition to physical violence, domestic violence frequently includes emotional abuse and controlling behaviors that can cause lasting harm.
In 2024, the California Criminal Justice Statistic Center reported 163,024 domestic violence-related calls to law enforcement with 60% of reported calls involving weapons. In the same year, the Statistic Center reported domestic violence homicides comprised 13.5% of all California homicides, a 21.4% increase from 2023 to 2024. Long-term societal effects of domestic violence and abuse contribute to increased medical cost burden, victims staying home from work or inability to hold a job, and lower wages resulting from diminished educational opportunities. The economic cost to government is estimated to be $73.7 billion annually (Tulane University 2024).
To raise awareness of this nationwide public health issue, show support for the two domestic violence shelters in the County, and to voice support for El Dorado residents impacted by domestic violence, HHSA recommends the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could decline to adopt the Proclamation recognizing October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 10/22/19, 19-1535, HHSA - October Domestic Violence Awareness Month
2) 10/13/20, 20-1267, HHSA - Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
3) 10/12/21, 21-1456, HHSA - Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
4) 10/18/22, 22-1716, HHSA 2022 Domestic Violence Awareness Month
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT:
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency