WHEREAS,domestic violence remains a prevalent issue across St. Johns County, the State of Florida, the United States, and the world with implications for both personal and community health and safety; and

WHEREAS, all persons have a basic right to feel safe, especially in their homes, yet nearly 2,500 domestic violence-related calls were made to law enforcement and out of those calls, resulting in 128 assault and battery cases and one stabbing in St. Johns County last year; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence affects people of all ages, racial, socioeconomic, educational, religious, and occupational segments of our society, especially children; and

WHEREAS, public awareness and education about domestic violence are needed as well as uniform efforts on the part of the government, health professionals, law enforcement, religious organizations, educators, and community associations to address domestic violence through prevention, intervention, and treatment for victims and perpetrators; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, that October 2026 be officially recognized and observed as

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 20^th day of October 2026.