The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners on October 2025 adopted a proclamation designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and heard advocates describe recent service expansions at the county’s Community Justice Center, officials and nonprofit leaders said.

The proclamation cites local service statistics and memorializes county employees who died in domestic violence incidents. It notes that in 2024 Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Incorporated provided direct services to 1,295 adults and 99 children, and provided emergency shelter to 137 adults and 89 children, and it was adopted by the board and signed by Chair William E. Rivenbark.

Lauren, a representative of Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, thanked commissioners for recognizing the month and urged continued community support. “To the survivors, we see you and we believe you,” Lauren said, addressing survivors in the room and the wider community.

Ben David, who identified himself as a retired district attorney, told the board the county’s Community Justice Center has added services aimed at keeping victims out of shared spaces with alleged abusers and at speeding access to court protections. “If we can predict it, we can prevent it,” Ben David said, summarizing the center’s approach. He said the county now offers remote filing for domestic violence protective orders and has a certified virtual courtroom to reduce the need for survivors to enter the courthouse and potentially see an alleged abuser. David also said the county now dedicates a courtroom for family violence cases on a weekly schedule to help those cases proceed without getting lost among other criminal matters.

David and other speakers credited local philanthropic and nonprofit partners and county staff for funding and operating the expanded services. He said the New Hanover Community Endowment and nonprofit partners helped fund additional positions and services colocated at the Community Justice Center, which sits near the courthouse and provides advocacy, case coordination, and court support. County staff and speakers praised the collaboration among Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, the Carousel Center, local law enforcement, and healthcare partners.

Commissioners voiced support for the proclamation and for continued financial and operational backing of the center’s services. A commissioner publicly thanked county facilities staff for arranging building signage and lighting for related awareness events.

The board adopted the proclamation by voice vote; commissioners said “aye” and the chair signed the declaration. The motion to approve and the second were made on the record; the minutes show the board approved the proclamation.

The board’s action is symbolic, but speakers urged continued budget and operational support for the Community Justice Center’s programs — including remote protective-order filing, dedicated courtroom time for family violence cases, and additional nonprofit positions — so survivors can access protections and services without unnecessary exposure to alleged abusers.