As I serve the citizens of Atlanta, enhancing safety is the common theme energizing every initiative I lead. With the outstanding work of our law enforcement and public safety officials and officers, we have stemmed the tide of violent crime in Atlanta. Still, there is a crime that emanates from inside the home that needs our full attention. It is the crime of domestic violence, of intimate interpersonal violence.
Domestic violence is a national disgrace.
For women this crime accounts for more visits to emergency rooms than rapes, auto accidents and muggings combined. Even beyond family, domestic violence takes its toll on every fiber of our community. And tragically, we see it take its toll on our police officers. The loss of Officer Sowa and injury of Officer Cocciolone are chilling reminders of how domestic violence affects us all. I extend my heartfelt regrets to these two families, and I ask everyone to consider making a contribut8on to the special funds set up to assist each officer's family.