Almost three out of four Americans know someone who is currently or has been a victim of domestic violence, according to the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s website.

Mayor Neil Johnson declared October Domestic Violence Awareness month during the City Council meeting Oct. 8.

“For me, this proclamation is very important,” Johnson said. “My mom was a victim of domestic violence so anything we can do to keep this issue in front of all of us and how important it is to recognize signs of domestic violence.”

This declaration is sponsored by the Exodus House, an organization that works exclusively with homeless families affected by domestic violence. The Exodus House is located in Sumner and according to their website, their mission is “encouraging independence, empowerment and self-sufficiency for homeless families impacted by domestic violence through transitional housing, individualized supportive services and community awareness.”

The city of Bonney Lake has actively supported domestic violence awareness and since 2007 they have made annual proclamations, said city clerk Harwood Edvalson.

In Pierce County, there are a number of options for those who are impacted by domestic violence. At the Bonney Lake Justice and Municipal Court building there is a protection order/sexual assault kiosk where individuals can file a temporary protection order, according to the city website. This kiosk allows those the opportunity to file an order without having to travel to the Tacoma-Pierce County-City Building. A clerk at the Bonney Lake location will contact the Domestic Violence Unit in Tacoma and the County Clerk’s office will continue completing the filling process.

There are a total of 10 kiosk locations throughout Pierce County, that allow convenient access for those wanting to file a temporary protection order.

Aside from these kiosks, victims of domestic violence can also contact 24-hour help lines throughout Pierce County. And there are shelters and safe houses where people can go if they need to get out of a domestic violence situation.

“All of us on the plateau can help by supporting those charities that will help those in need not to mention being available to help family and friends if they find themselves in this deadly situation,” Johnson said.