Governor Baldacci Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a widespread community problem, affecting Maine families regardless of geography, income or education; and

WHEREAS, dating violence and intimate partner violence are a part of the problem of domestic violence;

WHEREAS, the effects of domestic violence are felt not only by victims, who are robbed of their dignity and sense of security, but also by their children, families, those that care about them and the community as a whole;

WHEREAS, domestic violence exacts a high price on Maine's economy by keeping a victim away from her job or classroom and diminishing her productivity at the workplace or school;

WHEREAS, the most effective way to prevent domestic violence is through a shared commitment to ending the problem from every individual and community in Maine;

WHEREAS, the most effective way to utilize the collective resources committed to ending domestic violence in Maine is through coordinated community-based response, involving a partnership with law enforcement agencies, courts, advocacy programs, social service agencies, schools, the health care profession, employers and all Maine citizens;

WHEREAS, domestic violence is not only a crime, but a violation of a person's basic rights as a human being, and, as such, all victims deserve our support, and all offenders need to be held accountable;

WHEREAS, all citizens should become aware of domestic violence in all its aspects and how it can be prevented, and become involved on the local level in supporting victims, and their families in seeking safety and justice;

WHEREAS, consistent with our tradition of neighborly concern for one another, sense of fairness and justice, Maine's citizens are encouraged to report to law enforcement all suspected incidents of domestic violence;

NOW THEREFORE, I JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do herby proclaim October, 2007 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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