The Gary Commission for Women and the Domestic Violence Council will present a number of events during the month of October to increase awareness of the need to consistently address domestic violence in our communities. This was announced at a recent press conference on October 2, held by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson in the Gary Room of City Hall to kick off the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign.
The Council is comprised of government and local agencies and organizations partnering to attract public attention to this important issue. Statistics have shown that domestic violence occurs every day and reaches beyond spousal abuse and other traditional relationships. Reports further indicate parental abuse, child abuse and LGBT abuse is additionally on the rise. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a national observance that occurs during the month of October each year.
After the press conference and later that afternoon a vigil dedicated to Domestic Violence victims and families was held on the front steps of City Hall. Some of the events and activities announced during the press conference include:
The Gary Commission for Women operates the Rainbow-Ark Shelter in the city. The shelter provides a full range of residential and non-residential services for women and children.
