WHEREAS the Town of Smiths Falls supports the rights of every citizen to live free from domestic violence; and

WHEREAS domestic violence affects all people, regardless of geography, race, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic background; and

WHEREAS domestic violence is a public health issue that causes significant trauma and impacts the physical, mental, and emotional outcomes of people, communities and societies; and

WHEREAS we all have an obligation to do everything we can to raise awareness of domestic violence, support victims and survivors and hold offenders accountable; and

WHEREAS in the spirit of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's continue building the conversation about domestic violence and protect the people of Smiths Falls from this horrible crime; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Jay Brennan, Acting Mayor of the Town of Smiths Falls, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Town of Smiths Falls, and encourage our residents to stand firmly with survivors, advocates, and community agencies to stop domestic violence in all its forms.