Community members are invited to join Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams, State Sen. Monique Limón, and Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart in collaboration with Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara for the unveiling of Domestic Violence posters, 11:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 13 on the front steps of the County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St.

The posters will be displayed throughout county and city buildings in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Santa Barbara County and the cities of Guadalupe, Lompoc, Solvang and Goleta will now have domestic violence resources posted in employee areas of workspaces. The posters will provide employees with information about what domestic violence is, its prevalence, and how they can get connected with support.

“The county of Santa Barbara is committed to the safety and well-being of all county employees and residents,” Williams said “We have collaborated with Domestic Violence Solutions to stand against domestic violence by placing posters throughout our county buildings.

“These posters will help raise awareness of the resources available to break the silence around domestic violence.”

“I am grateful that Santa Barbara County is doing more to raise awareness around domestic violence and ensure workers know they are not alone in their times of need,” said Limón. “Thank you to Domestic Violence Solutions for creating these posters and working with local governments to bring resources to the community.”

“We must always stand with and support survivors of domestic violence,” Hart said. “The county is committed to building a community that is free from domestic violence by prioritizing prevention and intervention, while empowering people who have been harmed.”

Ultimately, the goal of having the posters where employees can easily access them is to remind survivors that they are not alone and help is available.

Domestic violence is often thought of as a private issue that only happens at home. But that is not the case; according to “A Guide to Better Understanding and Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors in Our Workplaces,” (Marquette University): “75% of victims said their abuser often interfered with their workday by sending harassing messages, phone calls, or emails.”

“By providing access to resources while individuals are at work, which is a place they are away from their abuser, it is the hope they will be encouraged to seek help,” said Patricia Ritchie, DVS Board treasurer.