COM 0360.000 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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