JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) met yesterday morning, Oct. 5, for a regular meeting and voted to proclaim October domestic violence awareness month. The Jackson Town Council approved a similar resolution during their regular meeting on Oct. 4.
According to the proclamations, “The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that one million women are victimized by domestic violence each year, with less than half of all such crimes actually thought to be reported. In a single day in 2020, 280 victims of domestic violence were served in Wyoming. 116 adult and child victims of domestic violence found refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs. 164 adult and child victims received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, children’s support groups, and more. In the same 4 hours, 108 hotline calls took place across the state.”
“Violence against predominantly women and children continues to become more prevalent as a social problem, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to any one group of people but crosses all gender identities, economic, racial, and societal barriers; and violates an individual’s dignity, security, and humanity, due to systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic control and/or abuse,” the proclamations stated.
The proclamations also address local organizations that work to end domestic violence including, Teton County Victim Services, The Community Safety Network, the Wyoming Division of Victim Services and the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault.
By proclaiming October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the BCC and the Town Council “encourage us all to be part of the solution by pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence.”
