After joining other advocates from Chester and Delaware counties and from across Pennsylvania to remember the 123 people who lost their lives to domestic violence in the state in 2018, Senator Tom Killion introduced a resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Domestic violence affects women and men of all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds,” noted Killion when introducing the resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate.
In addition to speaking at an event organized by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), Killion also met with and introduced officials from the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County on the Senate floor.
“These organizations do so much for so many, providing direct services to hundreds of victims and their children,” said Killion.
Killion led efforts this past spring resulting in 10 percent increase in funding for services benefitting domestic violence and rape victims in the current state budget. This boost far exceeded the 1.8 percent increase in total state spending.
Last year, the Senate unanimously passed Killion’s legislation requiring domestic abusers to relinquish their firearms within 24 hours of a final Protection From Abuse Orders being issued. His legislation, a top priority of the domestic violence prevention community, was incorporated into a separate bill that was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf.
Staff and volunteers at local domestic violence shelters, located in communities across the Commonwealth, provide shelter, legal assistance, counseling and children’s services to more than 90,000 victims per year, helping them find safety, obtain justice and build new lives free of abuse.
“As a former board member of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, I learned first-hand the successful efforts they’ve made in providing safety, advocacy, and supportive services to victims,” noted Killion. “It’s important we recognize these local organizations and PCADV and their ongoing commitment to victims and survivors and shine a light on intimate partner violence.”
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