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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2011
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Orie Resolution Designates October as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month in PA
To help promote awareness of the growing incidence of domestic violence and
provide help to at-risk individuals, Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) has
sponsored
Senate Resolution 193 designating October 2011 as Domestic Violence
Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
"The crime of domestic violence is more prevalent and more under-reported
than many people realize," Orie said. "Approximately 2.3 million people each
year are physically or sexually assaulted by a domestic partner, and at least
1,532 people died in domestic violence related incidents between 2001 and 2010."
Peg Dierkers, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against
Domestic Violence said "Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time for each of
us to reflect on how we, as individuals and collectively as a society, can
challenge ourselves to prevent the attitudes that condone and perpetuate
violence against women. There is much we can all do, from teaching children
non-violent means of resolving conflict to encouraging a battered woman to get
help from her local domestic violence program."
"We all have a part to playing ending domestic violence," Dierkers said.
"We have come a long way in terms of laws that protect victims and hold abusers
accountable, that ensure consistent enforcement of these laws, and that provide
funding for adequate prevention and intervention services. However, unless and
until every home is a safe home, we still have much work left to do."
Orie said Pennsylvania has taken significant steps to help at-risk
individuals and families through education, advocacy, counseling and support
services, shelter care and crisis intervention.
"I'm proud to say that Pennsylvania is taking the lead to develop a
comprehensive, health care approach to domestic violence – including efforts to
encourage medical screenings," Orie said. "Pennsylvania has a long history of
standing strong against domestic violence. We need a responsive justice
system, and a comprehensive and committed advocacy program to help support
victims – and we need everyone to step up and help to stop sexual violence in
this state.
CONTACT:
Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538
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