HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-170-2149 - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 1515 NW 167 Street, Building 5 Suite 200
Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
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City of Miami Gardens
Agenda Cover Memo
Council Meeting Date:
October 8, 2014 Item Type:
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Resolution Ordinance Other
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Sponsor Name
Councilwoman
Lisa C. Davis
Department:Mayor and City Council
Short Title:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
GARDENS, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Staff Summary:
October is National Domestic Awareness Month. Domestic violence also known as initiate
partner violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
income or other factors. It is most likely to occur between 6 pm and 6 am, with more than 60%
of domestic violence incidents occurring at home.
One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Women experience more
than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of
nearly 3 million physical assaults. Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than
ITEM K-4) CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION
Domestic Violence Awareness
1515 NW 167 Street, Building 5 Suite 200
Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
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men. Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
Every year, 1-3 women who is a victim of domestic violence is murdered by her current or
former partner.
In addition, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their home. Children who
live in homes where there is domestic violence also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30%
to 60%). A 2005 Michigan study found that children exposed to domestic violence at home are
more likely to have health problems, including becoming sick more often, having frequent
headaches or stomachaches, and being more tired and lethargic. Furthermore, a 2003 study
found that children are more likely to intervene when they witness severe violence against a
parent, which can place a child at great risk for injury or even death.
Furthermore, determining many instances of domestic violence actually involve male victims is
difficulty. Male domestic violence victims may be reluctant to get help for a number of reasons.
For example, some studies have showed that women who assault their male partners were
more likely to avoid arrest even when the male victim contacts police.
A U.S. Department of Justice study surveyed sixteen thousand (16,000) Americans, showed
7.4% of men reported being physically assaulted by a current or former partner, boyfriend or
girlfriend, or date in their lifetime. As well, 0.9% of men reported experiencing domestic violence
in the past year.
Fact: Most domestic violence incidents are never reported; therefore it thrives when we are
silent.
Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis deems it appropriate to recognize October as National Domestic
Violence Month in the City of Miami Gardens.
Proposed Action:
That the City Council adopts this resolution in honor of Domestic Violence Month.
Attachment:
None.