Senate designates domestic violence awareness month

Summary#

SR-399 is a Pennsylvania Senate resolution titled “Designating the month of October 2026 as ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania.” It would designate October 2026 for that purpose; it does not create or amend a state law. Its stated purpose is to recognize the month as a time for domestic-violence awareness.

  • The resolution makes a formal designation by the Senate, not a new service, benefit, or legal protection.
  • It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Laurel House and the Domestic Abuse Project.
  • It does not require public agencies, businesses, or residents to take action, or provide funding for services.
  • It is introduced and referred to the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee; it has not yet been adopted.

What it means for you#

  • Pennsylvania residents: The designation would recognize October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Senate. It would not change your legal rights or require you to take part in awareness activities.
  • Domestic-violence service providers: The resolution would not require them to provide services or change how they operate.
  • State agencies and justice system: Although the resolution’s recitals discuss intervention and services, its operative text does not require agencies or the justice system to act.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

  • The resolution does not authorize spending, provide funding, or set fees or fines.
  • No publicly available information on any costs of sending the two copies is provided.

What is unclear#

  • The resolution does not say what activities, if any, would follow from the designation.
  • It does not provide funding, assign responsibility for public awareness work, or set reporting requirements.
  • It has not been adopted. Whether it will pass is not known from the available material.
  • The resolution includes claims and statistics about domestic violence, but the supplied material does not independently verify them.

Case for#

  • A formal designation could give public recognition to domestic violence and the people affected by it.
  • The resolution describes effects on victims, families, and communities, and notes barriers to services. Recognizing the issue may be seen as a reasonable symbolic response.
  • The resolution names two organizations to receive copies, giving them formal notice of the Senate’s action if it is adopted.

Case against#

  • The resolution does not provide money, require public education, or change access to services. Its practical effect may therefore be limited to recognition.
  • It identifies service needs and barriers but does not set out steps to address them.
  • The resolution does not explain whether or how state agencies, service providers, or affected communities would be involved in any awareness activities.