Governor Matt Mead proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wyoming, to join the national observation in support of this serious problem.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels.

In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since.

Cara Chambers, Director of the Wyoming Division of Victim Services in the Attorney General's office says for the first time since she took over the office they have had to add induct three new silhouettes into the Silent Witness Initiative. She says domestic violence is a "grave public health tragedy." She says advocates come together every October to bring awareness to the issue, but adds "we need to be thinking about this every day of the year."

Chambers says in light of the recent cases involving N-F-L players, her office as well as the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault signed on to an open letter to N-F-L Commissioner Roger Goddell to point out that domestic violence is a serious issue.

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