The King County Council has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County.

Council Chairwoman Julia Patterson and Councilwoman Kathy Lambert jointly outlined the serious affects of domestic violence on women and families.

They also recognized the work of the King County Domestic Violence Council and partners in law enforcement and community service providers who help the victims of domestic violence.

"Research shows that up to 40 percent of women experience some kind of domestic abuse during their lives, and up to 70 percent of children who witness domestic violence also are victims of abuse or become batterers," said Patterson, who chairs the King County Board of Health. "We must make every effort to create awareness so women know there are options to keep their family safe and prevent their children from experiencing or perpetrating violence as adults."

Added Lambert, who chairs the council's Law, Justice and Human Services Committee, "Here in King County, our community suffered several tragic murders of women by their family members earlier this year.

"Among women, domestic violence also is the leading cause of death in the workplace. It is important to remember the lives of these women, and also to encourage survivors as well as raising awareness about the continuing threat of domestic violence."

In 2008, four local women have died as a result of domestic violence: Tracey Lee Creamer, Debra Lynn Bonilla, Stephanie Campeau and Baerbel "Babs" Karin Roznowski.

Lambert is a member of the King County Domestic Violence Council, which brings together leaders from many departments and agencies to coordinate efforts to combat domestic violence and improve public awareness, including the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Rally on Oct. 3.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established in October of 1987 to create a community dialogue about violence, to advocate for legislation and law enforcement to protect victims, and to encourage awareness and action against abuse.