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It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Stopping abusive behavior should be a top priority for all of us

Most people never experience domestic violence. Unfortunately, however, some estimates put the incidence among Americans at more than 12 million people each year. Women, men and children all can be victims. No socioeconomic or age group is spared. Researchers tell us, however, that young women between the ages of 18 and 34 are especially likely to experience domestic violence. Roughly one in four American women over the age of 18 become victims of abuse at some point during their lives.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Making people more cognizant of this problem and providing knowledge about options available to victims and their loved ones are key goals of this annual observance. Local awareness projects take place all across the nation. They vary in the activities and details but usually have common themes:

• Mourning people who have died because of domestic violence.

• Celebrating survivors who have found ways to change their lives.

• Connecting individuals who are active in the important work of ending violence.

This year’s presidential proclamation calling for observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month puts the nation’s goals succinctly:

“We share a moral obligation to recognize, address and stop domestic violence. Each of us must be a voice for those suffering in silence and must speak up when we see signs of physical or emotional abuse. Together we can bolster victims’ support networks and encourage and empower them to report offenses.”

Remaining silent about domestic violence is not an acceptable response. People who are victims should be encouraged to seek help and supported strongly by the rest of us. In many communities groups like the Domestic and Sexual Assault Outreach Center here in Fort Dodge stand ready to lend a hand. So too do a wide array of governmental and community organizations including clergy, health care providers and law enforcement officials.

Remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate a year ago by Sen. Charles Grassley should be heeded by everyone. The Iowa Republican expressed his strong support for the annual campaign to heighten awareness about domestic violence, but also explained that much more is required.

“We also should pledge our continued support for programs designed to assist survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and bring an end to domestic violence,” Grassley said. “Through the enactment of other key measures — such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Prevention Act, and the Victims of Crime Act — Congress has made support to survivors a national priority for over three decades. … Through the enactment of laws criminalizing domestic violence at the state and local level, we also have sent a strong signal to abusers that domestic violence is not a ‘private’ matter, but a public issue.”

Much progress has been made, but the essential work of curbing domestic violence and helping victims must remain a priority. The Messenger supports those efforts and encourages its readers to assist in these vital endeavors in whatever ways that they can.

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