The Washington City Council made a proclamation at their meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist read the proclamation, “Whereas domestic abuse, dating abuse, and stalking affect women, children, and men of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, causing long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the city of Washington, Iowa, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2023 to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly-trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages. The Domestic Violence Hotline number is 800-799-7233.