Today, Mayor Jenny Durkan proclaimed October 10, 2018 as “Gender-Based Violence Providers Recognition Day” though a proclamation read at an appreciation tea co-hosted by the Mayor’s Office and the Seattle Human Services Department. This designation recognizes and brings public awareness to the comprehensive network of social service providers that support survivors of domestic violence, honors October as Domestic Violence Awareness month, and acknowledges the investments the City makes in services that support the survivors of gender-based violence.
“October is a time when people and organizations across the country remember and bring greater awareness to the issue of domestic violence. As a City, we are committed to supporting women, men and children who have survived gender-based violence and invest in a network of service providers that have an unwavering commitment to serving those in our communities,” said Jason Johnson, Interim Director of the Human Services Department. “Today we have gathered to say thank you to our service providers, by honoring their work. This October we will continue to remember victims and survivors, acknowledge advocates and those working to end gender-based violence, and provide opportunities for raising awareness and community-building.”
Nationally and locally, domestic violence impacts men, women and children regardless of race, immigration status, socio-economic background or gender. In Washington State, 41 percent of women and 32 percent of men report experiencing violence from an intimate partner. In the City of Seattle, resources are invested in community-based agencies that provide culturally-relevant services in the areas of mobile/flexible advocacy, shelter/housing and therapeutic services that support those impacted by varying forms of domestic violence. In September, the Human Services Department announced $6.4 million in awards for community-based organizations providing services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) including domestic violence, sexual assault and/or commercial sexual exploitation.
In addition to the Gender-Based Violence Providers Appreciation Tea, the Human Service Department will honor and bring greater public awareness to the issue of Domestic Violence this month by turning City Hall (each evening throughout October) and the Seattle Ferris Wheel (each Thursday) purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, as well as social media campaign that will disseminate facts that bring greater awareness to this issue.