October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
To the Editor:
When most people hear the term “domestic violence,” they may think about recent newsworthy events which include popular sport personalities or celebrities. On the other hand, it may also hit too close to home through personal experience or through a family member or close friend.
That is why the month of October is set aside to remind ourselves and others that domestic violence is present in too many homes, right here in our rural communities and neighborhoods.
When we look at a crowd of people we are not able to distinguish those who have had a life affected by violence in their home. That is because violence does not follow the size of a person’s bank account or their employment or education status. The clients we serve at Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center show us that it often affects those we least expect.
So, please join us in recognizing that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In order to bring awareness to domestic violence, we will have Silent Witnesses displayed throughout the seven counties our program serves. These displays are life size cut-outs that represent an individual from Iowa whose life was cut short by their abuser. They will be displayed at local libraries, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, post offices and colleges.
Last year, our staff and volunteers answered 1,198 calls through our hotline. From those numbers we assisted 321 new clients and their children in a variety of ways. These clients could be any one of your friends or someone you are acquainted with. Whether someone you know has been affected by dating violence, elder abuse or any type of relationship violence, we are thankful that our staff and volunteers are always available to help.
If you are also interested in becoming a volunteer or if you would like to learn more about our services, please call our 24 hour Resource Line at 800-383-2988. You may also learn more at www.helpingservices.org.
Kathleen M. Davis
Director of the Domestic Abuse Resource Center
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa, Inc.
