ROCKFORD, MI (WHTC) – October is Domestic Violence month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one person uses physical, sexual or emotional abuse to control another person according to the Michigan State Police. They are seeking to educate citizens regarding domestic violence and the resources available to friends and family to support victims.
If you know someone who is being abused, you can help them by:
- Educating yourself about domestic violence by seeking information from websites and support groups.
- Remembering there is no “quick fix” to domestic violence.
- Making sure the victim knows you believe them.
- Listening attentively.
- Not blaming the victim for what happened to them.
- Taking the victim’s fears seriously and expressing sincere concern.
- Not making judgments.
- Reminding the victim that what has occurred is not their fault.
You can visit the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence at www.mcedsv.org or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. (7233)
– Mary Ellen Murphy
