PROCLAMATION

Hope to Live Free of Abuse

WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a complex and pervasive public health crisis that affects individuals without regard to age, race, gender, education, religious, economic, or societal lines; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is not just physical violence; it often presents as sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, or technological abuse; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a public health issue that affects all of us in seen and unseen ways, and to address it, we must apply our collective attention and resources to help end the cycles of violence that feed into the myriad of other health issues affecting our neighbors, including homelessness, physical and behavioral health, and substance use disorders; and 

WHEREAS, Friday Harbor is fortunate to have community resources available to help individuals experiencing domestic violence find a path to safety, including a 24/7 domestic violence hotline (360-378-2345), advocacy groups such as SAFE San Juans, responsive law enforcement and criminal justice support; access to quality services and assistance by health care and other professionals, and;

WHEREAS, domestic violence is easily sustained by lack of awareness or indifference; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Evan Perrollaz, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2026 in the Town of Friday Harbor as 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

And call upon Friday Harbor residents to show appropriate recognition and support for the victims/survivors of domestic violence. Let’s learn to recognize the signs so we can make this Town a safe place for all where there is a real hope to live free of abuse.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the Town of Friday Harbor to be affixed on October 1, 2026.

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Evan Perrollazz, Mayor