HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	32
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

recognizing October 2009 as domestic violence awareness month.

     WHEREAS, home should be a place of warmth, unconditional love, and security, but for some, it has become tainted with violence and fear; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence is much more than the occasional family dispute; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of assault or coercive behaviors that may include physical injury, psychological abuse, sexual assault, progressive social isolation, stalking, deprivation, intimidation, and threats; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence also includes socially unacceptable behaviors perpetrated by an individual who is, was, or wishes to be involved in an intimate or dating relationship, with the intent of establishing control over another person; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence is a societal problem that has reached epidemic proportions; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence is also a serious criminal justice and public health problem, resulting in serious and sometimes fatal consequences; and

     WHEREAS, physical and psychological abuse can be so traumatizing that its adverse health effects can persist for years after the abuse has ended; and

     WHEREAS, intimate partner violence, regardless of gender, affects families across America in all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups; and

     WHEREAS, a coalition of organizations has emerged to confront this crisis directly, including law enforcement agencies, domestic violence awareness groups, health care providers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and many other groups, to help in the effort to end domestic violence; and

     WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the compassion and dedication of the individuals involved in this effort, applaud their commitment, and increase the public awareness of this significant problem; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that this body recognizes October 2009 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the State of Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Attorney General, prosecuting attorney in each county, chief of police of the police departments in each county, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Action Center.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

October 2009; Domestic Violence Awareness Month