City Council Declares October 2015 Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The City Council declared October 2015 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Mayor Terry Tornek presented a proclamation to City Attorney/City Prosecutor Michele Beal Bagneris, Chief Assistant City Prosecutor Will Rivera, Police Department staff and local domestic violence service provider Peace Over Violence to symbolize the City’s support for renewed efforts by the City Prosecutor to eliminate domestic violence and educate victims.

Mayor Tornek commended the Prosecutor’s Office, Police Department and local service providers for taking on this matter. “The city reaffirms its dedication and commitment to ensuring that no one in the Pasadena community suffers the pain and hardship caused by domestic violence.

“This is also an excellent time to thank and recognize those who work tirelessly every day to provide hope and healing to survivors and victims of domestic violence.”

The City Prosecutor’s Office is ramping up its efforts to address a 10 percent year-over-year increase in domestic violence referrals from the Police Department.

“The increase in referrals has prompted our office to immediately redouble our efforts to address this disturbing trend by distributing a resource guide and increasing our staffing to handle domestic violence cases,” said City Prosecutor Bagneris. “We will continue to work collaboratively with the Pasadena Police Department and local domestic violence service providers like Peace Over Violence to make sure that victims of domestic violence do not experience further harassment or abuse.”

Chief Assistant City Prosecutor Will Rivera will work to ensure City prosecutors in the domestic violence courtroom at the Pasadena Courthouse advocate for tougher sentences on domestic violence cases, according to the City Prosecutor.

People interested in receiving domestic violence resources can contact the City Attorney/City Prosecutor’s Office at (626) 744-4611 to request copies of the “Stopping Domestic Violence in Pasadena Through Prevention and Protection” brochure, which includes helpful tips and resources for those who experience or may encounter domestic violence.

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