Other LanguagesOlympia – Attorney General Rob McKenna will recognize the courage of domestic violence survivors as special guest speaker at the 7th Annual Domestic Violence Survivor’s Recognition Day at 4 p.m. today at the Harrison Street Gallery at the Seattle Center.
The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Survivor’s Caucus sponsors the event each year in memory and honor of those whose lives have been taken by domestic violence, and to celebrate the strength and courage of domestic violence survivors. This year, the event will feature “Silent Witnesses", a powerful exhibit that tells the stories of Washington citizens who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
McKenna has long been involved in domestic violence issues, dating back to his service on the King County Council, where he led the council in supporting a pledge created by the Seattle-based Men’s Network Against Domestic Violence, urging men to work on ending the cycle of domestic violence.
"I am committed to fight domestic violence in Washington," McKenna said. "We have made strides but much work remains."
McKenna's efforts include the appointment last year of AGO investigator Larry McKnight as statewide Domestic Violence Liaison, hosting Washington’s first-ever statewide domestic violence summit in June, increasing outreach to minority populations, and legislation strengthening penalties for domestic violence crimes. McKenna requested legislation last session to increase the domestic violence penalties for assault by strangulation. The law went into effect in July.
Each year in the United States, three million women are hurt by an intimate partner, and 10 million children witness domestic violence. A crime perpetrated by silence, domestic violence can occur in any family and crosses all cultural, ethnic, economic and religious boundaries.
- 30 -
Media Contacts: J. Ryan Shannon, Media Relations Manager, (360) 753-2727