DeKalb County Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On October 14, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Presiding Officer Michelle Long Spears read the proclamation into the record, lifting up a stark reality: in the U.S., a woman is beaten or assaulted every nine seconds. In 2024 alone, Georgia reported 42,184 incidents of family violence, and 170 people were killed in domestic violence homicides -19 of them in DeKalb County.

These numbers are not just statistics; they are a call to action.

Representing WRCDV, CEO Jean Douglas addressed the commissioners, sharing the organization’s nearly 40-year history. She noted that both Georgia and DeKalb County have experienced an increase in domestic violence fatalities over the past year, underscoring the urgency of continued collaboration and support.

Following the reading of the proclamation, the Board of Commissioners presented a formal resolution and recognized local law enforcement and victim-support partners who work on the front lines every day. While ceremonial, the proclamation is a meaningful affirmation of DeKalb County’s commitment to coordinated prosecution, prevention, and victim services.