October 19, 1999
Mayor Williams Swears In Commission on Violence Against Women
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced the appointment of the Commission on Violence Against Women at One Judiciary Square today. Forty-four members of the Mayor's commission were sworn in including some members of his cabinet. The purpose of the commission is to advise the Mayor and recommend policy and program strategies for the reduction of violence against women in the District of Columbia. The commission will also serve as an administrative agency for receipt and management of funds under the Violence Against Women Act or any other federal or local funds designated for the education of violence against women. "Many members of this commission have already done great work in the area of domestic violence since the previous administration. We want to recognize that work," said the Mayor. "In observing the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, my administration reaffirms this commitment to prevent and eliminate violence against women." The commission, which included some re-appointments and new appointments, met recently to review their extensive set of recommendations to achieve results in combating violence against women. The Mayor was presented a report that constituted a call to action: the District must adopt a comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, and community-based approach to reducing crime against women. Three priority areas for next steps include building a critical infrastructure to ensure a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to violence against women; enhancing the quantity and ensure the quality of victim services; and, increasing prevention efforts through community outreach and public education. "No longer can we let the women we call mother, sister, wife and daughter remain shadowed by their shame of being a victim. That shame belongs to all of us," said Williams. "Domestic violence is not simply a private family matteržit is a matter affecting the entire community."
For copies of the Commission on Violence Against Women's repot contact the office of the Commission's chair, 202-466-8960, attention: Marie Clark.
