Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October 2005 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Michigan.

“Spanning centuries, cultures and continents, domestic violence is a tragic epidemic that has plagued our society,” said the governor’s proclamation. “I proclaim October 2005 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Michigan and I urge all citizens to join in the efforts to end this serious problem.”

Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board defines domestic violence as the occurrence of any of the following acts by a person that is not an act of self-defense:

• Causing or attempting to cause physical or mental harm to a family or household member.
• Placing a family or household member in fear of physical or mental harm.
• Causing or attempting to cause a family or household member to engage in involuntary sexual activity by force, threat of force, or duress.
• Engaging in activity toward a family or household member that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

“A better educated public is one key to communities supporting battered families, eliminating domestic violence and holding batterers accountable for their terrible deeds,” said DHS director Marianne Udow.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, local domestic violence programs throughout the state will offer a variety of events. Please contact your local domestic violence program to find out more information about events scheduled in your area.

The national hotline for help from domestic violence is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) voice and 800-787-3224 TTY.