Sykes observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month
State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today recognized the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Now in its 31st year of recognition, Domestic Violence Awareness Month honors those who lost their lives to domestic violence, celebrates survivors, and connects advocates who work to end domestic violence. Sykes dedicated much of her work in the legislature to address Ohio’s domestic violence concerns by updating and modernizing Ohio’s domestic violence laws through bipartisan legislation.
“With the passage of House Bill 1, victims in violent dating relationships will now have life-saving protections under Ohio law,” said Sykes. “It is vitally important we continue raising awareness for victims of domestic violence and continue thinking of how we as elected officials and as members of our communities can make an impact.”
Her legislation, House Bill 1, became law in July and extends civil protection orders to victims of dating violence. According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office 2017 Domestic Violence Report, there were 1,322 domestic violence incident charges in Summit County, 540 of which were reported by the Akron Police Department.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse you can find help locally at Victim Assistance Program of Summit County via phone at 330-376-0040 or online at https://victimassistanceprogram.org/. Statewide resources can be found at Action Ohio by calling 1-800-799-7233 or visiting http://www.actionohio.org/.