Elected officials and WCA’s Bea Black at the 2016 DVAM Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2018
OCTOBER: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Raising Awareness about the Prevalence of Domestic Violence in our Community
Boise, Idaho – The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA), Ada County Commissioners and Mayors of Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Meridian, Kuna and Star will officially declare October “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” (DVAM) Thursday, September 27, 2018. The joint press conference will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Ada County Paramedics headquarters in Boise, to stand together in solidarity with those impacted by domestic abuse.
Hadley Mayes, Ada County Paramedics Public Information Officer and domestic violence survivor said Ada County Paramedics typically respond to hundreds of battery calls each year.
“Domestic violence happens everywhere and Ada County is no exception,” Mayes said. “The frequency with which our paramedics respond to 911 calls of this nature tells us domestic violence is an issue in our community.”
WCA Executive Director, Bea Black said by raising awareness, educating our community and having public conversations we can make our community a better and safer place to live and raise our families.
“We are so grateful to have the support of our elected officials and public agencies as we work together to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence in the Treasure Valley. Being able to present this joint proclamation at today’s press conference also allows us to highlight the resources available for those who have been affected by domestic violence – that can help impact and potentially save lives,” said Black.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-in-four women and one-in-seven men in the US have been severely physically assaulted by an intimate partner. And while we live in a beautiful family-friendly town with strong community support, domestic abuse is an insidious issue in Ada County. In 2017, according to the Ada County Sheriff’s Department there were 5,242 calls for service related to domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse made to local law enforcement agencies just last year.
Officials will sign a joint ceremonial proclamation. The event will take place at the Ada County Paramedics headquarters located at 370 N. Benjamin Lane in Boise, Idaho.
About The WCA
The Women’s & Children’s Alliance provides safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. The WCA does so through secure shelters, professional counseling, legal advocacy, crisis services and case management to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. For more information, visit www.wcaboise.org. For help call our hotline at 208.343.7025.
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