One is One Too Many

Mayor Yepsen presents Wellspring with resolution proclaiming October DV Awareness Month

Last night I attended the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting. I was invited to speak  for a few minutes about Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Mayor Yepsen gave some statistics about the frequency of abuse that she deemed shocking:

•  in the US we average 20 acts of violence per minute
•  10 million victims each year; and
• domestic violence accounts for 15% of violent crime.

I provided some local data from Saratoga County:

• Domestic violence is the #2 violent crime in our county
• Depending on the year it is either the #1 or #2 cause of homicide, and
• It is also the primary reason for family homelessness in our county.

The statistics are sobering; the stories behind those statistics are even more concerning, but what I'd like to take away from the conversation is a  statement by Mayor Yepsen that sums up the vision and work of Wellspring, "Even one domestic violence victim is one too many."

We're working to increase awareness, help people in need get services before a crisis, and engaging our community to create social change so that no man, woman, or child lives in fear at home.  You can be part of that change by:

• Ask Wellspring staff to come and speak at your workplace or community group about our services and how you can be involved
• Volunteering- We have new volunteer opportunities assisting the agency with outreach and prevention activities
• Helping us to spread the word- Share interesting articles or talk with friends about why you care about domestic violence.  Silence Hides Violence- let's break the silence.

"Even one domestic violence victim is one too many."

                                    Mayor Joanne Yepsen