The Council of the District of Columbia has declared October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of protecting the dignity and safety of all residents. The resolution highlights the pervasive issue of domestic violence, which affects a significant portion of the population, with 47% of women and 43% of men in the District having experienced intimate partner violence. It acknowledges the various forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, emotional, and economic, and stresses the need for increased awareness and support for survivors, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The resolution calls for a commitment to addressing the racial, social, and economic inequities that disproportionately impact communities of color and hinder survivors' recovery. It emphasizes the necessity for adequate funding and support for domestic violence service providers to meet the growing demand for housing, counseling, and culturally specific services. The overarching goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to foster cooperation among public and private entities to combat domestic violence and enhance support for survivors, ensuring their safety and well-being in the District.