The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 18 adopted a proclamation declaring October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged residents to raise awareness and support survivors.

Commissioner Maggi read the proclamation, saying domestic violence "remains a pervasive issue that breaks the very fabric of our communities" and calling on residents to help create safer communities. The board adopted the proclamation by voice vote.

Alexander Brooks, chief operating officer of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, accepted the proclamation alongside Shanna Blackford, prevention education specialist for the agency. Blackford told the commissioners she has worked in domestic violence services for 12 years and described how education increases recognition of abuse and encourages survivors to seek help. "The theme this year for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is 'Everyone knows someone,'" she said. "Visit our website at peacefromdv.org to learn about the signs of abuse, to learn about the types of abuse, to learn about the resources that somebody might be able to utilize if they're experiencing power and control in their relationship."

Blackford asked residents and local businesses to help spread information—by taking yard signs and displaying them in public places—and welcomed the county's recent investments in the agency. Commissioner remarks acknowledged county opioid settlement dollars that were provided to the agency and praised the agency's new courthouse office location.

The proclamation text cited Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania's more-than-40-year history providing shelter, counseling, advocacy and support for survivors and called on residents to "stand with them and ensure they have access to the care and protection they deserve."