The state of California recognizes the need to reduce domestic violence and has funded programs for over 20 years. Our community has organized to address the problem of Domestic Violence. The Domestic Violence Task Force has pulled together government and private agencies that share the vision of building a community of safety and peace for families.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this community supports the need to increase public awareness of this important issue. The statistics are out for 2002 and Ventura County law enforcement responded to over 6,900 calls for help related to domestic violence. Domestic Violence victims struggle with issues of safety, self-esteem, finances and barriers to employment. The children in these same families deal with emotional trauma, barriers to education and fear of the future.

Our community is taking steps to address these problems and support those who reach out for help. By encouraging awareness, providing financial support and increasing access to services available, we all assist these families to get the help that they need. On behalf of the Domestic Violence Task Force, CADA, and the Zonta Club of the Conejo Valley Area, we wish to thank Mayor Ed Masry and the City Council of Thousand Oaks for proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

City Council of Thousand Oaks Proclamation
in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Whereas, Home should be a place of warmth, unconditional love, tranquility, and security; and

Whereas, Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury to American women from all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, and affects other family members as well; and

Whereas, The Coalition of End Domestic Violence and Interface Family Services work continuously with the Domestic Violence Task Force and the Family Violence Prevention Partnership to coordinate services and shelter for battered women and children in Ventura County and

Whereas, Local organization such as Zonta and Soroptimist International support these services an other programs such as the workplace campaign "Color Me Purple" to raise awareness of, and help end, domestic violence in our community.

Now, Therefore, I, Edward L. Masry, Mayor of the city of Thousand Oaks, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim October 2002

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

and urge our residents to learn more about this issue and support programs that offer services to the victims of domestic violence