Riverton mayor proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(Riverton, WY) – Riverton Mayor Tim Hancock signed a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month this week, urging local residents to “recognize the signs of abuse, speak out against domestic violence, support survivors, and help foster a community where everyone can live free from fear and harm.” 

“Domestic violence is a widespread issue that affects millions of individuals across all communities, regardless of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or background,” Hancock said, reading the proclamation out loud during a Riverton City Council meeting Tuesday. “(It) not only causes immediate harm to survivors but also has lasting impacts on families, communities, and our society as a whole.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in four women and one in seven men have experienced “severe physical violence by an intimate partner” in their lifetime, the proclamation states.

In addition, the proclamation says children who witness domestic violence “are at greater risk of experiencing long-term emotional, behavioral, and physical health issues.”

“Ending domestic violence requires the collective voice and power of individuals, families, institutions, and systems working together to promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect,” the proclamation states. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage community action, and strengthen the network of services and support available to those affected by abuse.”

Local Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives 307 Board Member Nicole Wagon spoke in support of the proclamation this week, noting that domestic violence is a “spoke,” or “component,” of the MMIR epidemic.

She also took the opportunity to invite the council to the MMIR 307 run/walk and vigil taking place this weekend in Riverton, and to highlight the Fremont County Alliance Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault’s annual “Silent Witness Initiative” at 510 E. Washington Ave. honoring “some of the women and children murdered in Wyoming as a result of domestic violence,” according to a post on the MMIR 307 Facebook page.

“I was very touched (by) their display,” Wagon said, requesting a moment of silence for the listed victims, whose names she read out loud during the council meeting. “My heart goes out to them (and) their families. … Nobody has the right to take anybody’s life.”

The new MMIR 307 flags the city helped purchase will be displayed for the first time on Monday, Oct. 13, in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, Wagon said.

Later in the month, local supporters are invited to the FCAADVSA bingo fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Riverton Country Club, 4275 Country Club Drive.