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Domestic Violence Awareness Month observed
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To the Editor:
A woman is beaten every nine seconds in the U.S., averaging 5.3 million women battered each year. One out of every four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. 85 percent of all domestic violence victims are female. Women age 20 – 34 endure the highest rates of domestic violence. These are some of the statistics regarding domestic violence in the United States.....
I could cite many more “statistics”, but when I read off of lists like these, I begin to “tune out”. Although I know it is bad, these numbers become just numbers and lose their impact. There are no names and faces put with these numbers. I don’t hear the individual, heart wrenching stories that go along with these numbers. These numbers merely serve to desensitize and insulate us from the true impact of these statistics on real life people who are suffering the vast consequences that are related with domestic violence. Domestic violence occurs every single day and in every single community, including our tiny rural communities in Houston County.
Houston County Women’s Resources receives an average of 12 calls per month on it’s 24-hour crisis line. That is three calls per week from your neighbors who need assistance due to issues of domestic violence. Needs of victims often include emotional, financial, medical, housing and transportation.
We have come a long way over the years in our awareness of domestic violence. Today there are many individuals, organizations and professionals who are working to end domestic violence and meet the needs of victims, but there is much more work to do.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Across the nation, there are events being held in local communities to remember and honor the victims of domestic violence and to celebrate and honor the people who work to end domestic violence every single day.
HCWR will be hosting a Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, Oct. 14 beginning at 6 p.m. in Hokah. The public is invited to participate in this important event.
Shelby Martin
HCWR Adult
Program/Advocate Coordinator
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