Clearwater, Fla. – RCS Pinellas is partnering with cities across Pinellas County to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, and many others, as well as Pinellas County government, have made official proclamations recognizing the dangers of domestic violence and RCS Pinellas’s efforts to provide support, safety, and advocacy to domestic violence survivors and their children throughout Pinellas County for more than 50 years.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over their intimate partner. The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any one group of people; they affect people of every economic level, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, and gender.

“Bringing awareness to domestic violence is critical because if we’re not talking about it, it’s getting swept under the rug,” says Kirk Ray Smith, RCS President & CEO. “There is no posterchild for domestic violence, nor a demographic that’s impacted more than others. Domestic violence transcends categories, so everyone must stay vigilant to stand against it.”

RCS Pinellas works closely with city governments to ensure that individuals affected by domestic violence get help. RCS Advocates and volunteers are located in the courthouses providing assistance with filing injunctions for protection and support at return hearings. An Advocate is also located at the Clearwater Police Department to assist survivors.

The following cities are also proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, and Treasure Island.

RCS Pinellas has provided help & hope to people in need for 50 years. RCS’s mission is to feed the hungry, help families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency, and empower survivors of domestic violence. Over 130,000 Pinellas County individuals are served annually with dignity to accomplish this mission at the RCS Food Bank, the RCS Grace House, The Haven of RCS, RCS Affordable Housing, RCS Energy Assistance Program, and RCS thrift store partnerships.

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