LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim October 28, 2009, as Walk with Me Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, An initiative created to give a face to victims of domestic
violence, "Walk with Me" will take place on October 28, 2009, simultane-
ously on college campuses across New York; and
WHEREAS, For the event, a silent procession of college students
symbolizing victims of domestic violence will walk in order to bring
students face-to-face with the reality of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, Domestic violence, also known as partner abuse, spouse abuse,
intimate partner violence or battery, is a widespread problem that
occurs when one person inflicts either emotional, physical or psycholog-
ical injury to control another person that they have, or had, a
relationship with; and
WHEREAS, The single largest cause of injury to women between the ages
of 15-44 in the United States, domestic violence occurs among all ages,
genders, races, educational backgrounds and socio-economic groups; each
year, between two and four million women are battered and over 300,000
women experience domestic violence while they are pregnant, resulting in
the leading cause of death among pregnant women; and
WHEREAS, In addition, nearly 25 percent of women have been raped
and/or been physically assaulted by an intimate partner at some point in
their lives; it is estimated that between 40 and 70 percent of female
murder victims are killed by their husbands or boyfriends, frequently in
the context of an ongoing abusive relationship; and
WHEREAS, Women with a history of domestic violence report having a 60
percent higher rate of health problems than women with no history of
abuse; adolescents involved with an abusive partner report increased
levels of depressed mood, substance abuse, antisocial behavior and in
females, suicidal behavior; and
WHEREAS, Researchers report that children who witness domestic
violence are at a greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders,
developmental problems, school failure, violence against others and low
self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, The proliferation of domestic violence in communities across
New York State can be combated in part by raising society's awareness
and sensitivity to this prevalent and far-reaching issue; and
WHEREAS, "Walk with Me" is one way to mobilize future generations to
get involved and create a movement against domestic violence while
simultaneously letting people know that they are not alone and have a
right to be safe; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim October 28, 2009, as
Walk with Me Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.