Domestic Violence
Outstanding Achievement Award

The Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence is pleased to announce the Commission’s 7th Annual Domestic Violence Outstanding Achievement Award. The Commission would like to recognize people and organizations in Whatcom County that have made significant contributions to addressing the problem of domestic violence. If you are Interested in nominating a person or organization, please Download the nomination application or contact Linda Ward at 360-312-5700 ext 201 for an application. The deadline for nominations is September 5, 2010.

Nomination form

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which traditionally occurs in October, evolved from the first Day of Unity in October 1981 sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The original intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the country that were working to end violence against women and children. The range of activities focused on honoring women who were killed, celebrating women who survived and uniting advocates working in the field. 

Currently, nationwide Domestic Violence Awareness month is a time when domestic violence service providers, health care providers, corporations, community leaders, unions, faith based groups and the public will participate in events to create awareness and raise the national consciousness about intimate partner violence.  Women from all economic, cultural and social backgrounds can experience domestic violence although men can be victims as well.

 For many years domestic violence was considered a personal family problem. The result of that social attitude was that law enforcement, medical providers, neighbors and other family members did not intervene. Research on the consequences of family violence on women and children has demonstrated that the psychological, social and physical impact on survivors and their children can be severe and long lasting.

 In light of the work of thousands of dedicated domestic violence workers across the country and the disturbingly high statistics that demonstrate the prevalence of this issue, domestic violence has become a social and public health issue.  Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness month has become a powerful vehicle for keeping this issue visible and in celebrating the strengths of survivors.  These survivors become role models that help empower victims to make change.  DV Awareness Month is one strategy of many in the movement towards social transformation.

 In Whatcom County, the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence provides a leadership and coordination role in DV Awareness Month.  The Commission supports local participating agencies by promoting DV events and activities through posters, calendars, advertising and press releases. The Commission is also responsible for the Vigil, a highly visible public event that occurs the first week in October and “opens” Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The Labyrinth Walk, held at the Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven is another Commission sponsored event that has been well attended.

 The Commission would like to extend an invitation to the Whatcom County community to participate in the planning and implementation of DV month events and activities. If you are interested in receiving information please call 360-312-5700 X 201. The Commission looks forward to your participation.