WHEREAS, domestic violence continues to profoundly affect families and communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States, with millions of women and men experiencing physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner each year, and nearly one in three women and one in six men experiencing such abuse during their lifetimes; and

 

WHEREAS, in 2025, Virginia’s victim services organizations provided more than 245,000 hours of domestic violence advocacy services to 22,415 adults and children and provided 230,017 nights of emergency shelter to 5,353 adults and children; and

 

WHEREAS, economic instability, housing insecurity, and social isolation can create significant barriers for survivors seeking assistance, underscoring the importance of accessible, responsive, and supportive community services; and

 

WHEREAS, survivors of domestic violence demonstrate extraordinary courage and resilience and deserve access to services and resources that support their safety, healing, and ability to rebuild their lives; and

 

WHEREAS, law enforcement officers, health care providers, educators, faith leaders, and community advocacy organizations play a vital role in recognizing domestic violence, supporting survivors, and connecting those affected with appropriate resources, while carrying out their work with unwavering compassion and dignity; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to raising awareness of domestic violence, supporting victim services, and promoting the safety and well-being of all Virginians;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 2026 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.