(KAIR)--October has been declared as Domestic Violence Awareness month in Jefferson County.
That follows action taken during the weekly, regular meeting of the County Commission Monday.

During the session, Mary Smith, representing Lawrence-based Willow Domestic Violence Center, appeared before the Commission, requesting that they sign the proclamation, which she read out loud.
Smith explained to Commissioners that the center, in 2022, offered what the unofficial minutes of the meeting call "16,826 nights of safe rest to survivors in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. Additionally, the center provided 17,095 individual services and 3,822 youth, adults, and professionals through training and community outreach."

Following Smith's presentation, a motion was made, with a unanimous vote following, declaring Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which comes in conjunction with the nationwide commemoration held each October.

Another proclamation was also made during Monday's meeting, with the second focused on the activities of 4-H members.

4-H ambassadors appeared before the Commission, regarding the proclamation of October 1-7 as National 4-H Week.

The proclamation was read out loud by 4-H member Aubrey Weishaar, with the Commisson then making the designation of the week in honor of 4-H.