October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a problem that can affect anyone at anytime. Considering victims are usually frightened by their abusers, they often suffer in silence.
The Domestic Violence Resource Center says that 1 in 4 women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to 3 million women who are physically abused by their husbands or boyfriends per year. Men can also be victims of domestic violence at the hands of their female partners, and abuse can occur between same-sex couples as well. However, the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that women ages 20-24 are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
Domestic violence comes in many forms, including physical, emotional and verbal abuse. Many victims of domestic violence are battered into secrecy or are embarrassed that they are being abused and do not share their experiences with others. Others might not even realize that what they are experiencing constitutes abuse. But there are some signs of domestic violence that can be observed, and a third party may be able to intervene.
Join Faith House and help launch the new campaign "No More Violence No More Silence"
by showing support and taking the pledge at the Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, October 16 on the Vermilion Parish Courthouse steps at 5:30 p.m.