Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, putting a special emphasis on domestic violence information.
So far this year, Minnesota has had 23 women and men killed by acts of domestic violence, not to mention the families torn apart, the suicides of the abusers, and the children left without a parent or parents. This is a time for all of us to take notice of how this issue affects every one of us.
So, what is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is the use of power and control of one person in a relationship over another. It often starts out to be very subtle and with time can grow to be a very dangerous situation for the victim as well as others.
Violence isn’t always an intimate partner situation; it can also be family members or people living together and can happen in the blink of an eye. When these crimes happen, we’re all asking why, and unfortunately that is often an answer we will never know.
What can we do as a friend, a community or a family member if we suspect that this is happening to someone?
First and foremost, when someone shares with you {or even if they don’t}, but you believe that something is happening, just be there for them. If they share with you, listen attentively, believe them, and encourage them to seek advice or help to keep themselves safe.
There are several kinds of abuse, all leaving a victim terrified and doubting their own self-worth.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023, we all need to take domestic violence seriously, and if safe, reach out to those who may need our help.
If you’re not sure what to do or how to approach a situation, call or email Hands of Hope Resource Center. Your conversation is confidential and “free”.
Our phone number is 320-732-2319, and we are in the office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We also have a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-682-4547.
Let’s all be aware of the world around us, be available for each other, and celebrate peaceful living.
Connie Nelson
Hands of Hope