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PROPOSAL: <br /> To create a commission named the Hawaii County Family Violence <br /> Advisory Commission. <br /> JUSTIFICATION; <br /> Family violence in the County of Hawaii continues to be severe <br /> and an increasing problem. The Big Island has accounted for <br /> 22 percent of the State's domestic and family violence related <br /> homicides even though. Hawaii County accounts for only <br /> 11 percent of the state's population. A recent survey <br /> conducted by the Hawaii Mental Health Association in <br /> Hawaii--Hawaii County Branch indicates the high incidence of <br /> health, social and mental health problems on the Big Island. <br /> For example, the survey reveals that although general rates of <br /> suicide dropped in 1996, 22/percent of attempted suicides were <br /> by young individuals age 18 and under. The study further <br /> demonstrates that the Big Island has the highest percentage of <br /> children suffering from abuse and neglect as well as the <br /> highest rate of deaths of children ages 1-14. Moreover, <br /> statistics show that Hawaii County has some of the worst <br /> negative social indicators proportionately in the State, <br /> including elder abuse, rise in protective orders, unemployment, <br /> poverty, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and juvenile <br /> crime. <br /> At the present time, private and public sector funds and <br /> resources are insufficient to adequately address the growing <br /> problem in our community. For these reasons and many others, <br /> the County must carefully scrutinize this severe problem in our <br /> community and formalize the ongoing grassroots organization <br /> known as DVIAT (Domestic Violence Inter-Agency Team) into a <br /> County Commission on Family Violence. This will ensure that <br /> these serious problems are addressed and solutions made <br /> available in order to reduce violence in our community and <br /> provide motivation for our youth. Through the development of a <br /> healthier community, a more positive social and economic <br /> environment will emerge. <br /> GOAL OF COMMISSION: <br /> The goal of the Commission is to reduce family violence in the <br /> County of Hawaii through addressing island-wide issues of <br /> family violence. The Commission will promote general public <br /> awareness, encourage and facilitate inter-agency training and <br /> provide the impetus for preventative measures and education <br /> <br /> directed at the community's children and youth. <br /> -7- <br /> <br />