The numbers paint a sobering picture of families in Kansas and around the nation. Twenty percent of the Kansas population have been victims of domestic violence. One in five women and one in seven men.
Thanks to the efforts of organizations like The Family Crisis Center, awareness building continues to be a valuable tool against the normalization of violence. By keeping the numbers in front of us, these advocates for victims fuel the conversation about what can be done to help and to prevent violence in the family.
For nearly 30 years, Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been observed during the month of October in our nation. Prior to that, it was much easier to turn a blind eye to the downcast eyes, the bruises and broken bones, and the excuses that attempted to hide the fact that things weren’t so rosy at home.
The numbers continue to alarm, but one can hope that the number of people experiencing violence at home repeatedly for years on end might be less, now that more police officers, doctors, teachers and others who come in contact with family members on a regular basis are educated and aware of the signs that domestic violence may be occurring.
It’s because of the efforts of The Family Crisis Center this is so. Now is the time to learn the signs, and empower yourself and your family to help in the fight to end domestic violence. Follow the advice of the Barton County Commissioners in their proclamation this week marking October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Speak out about domestic violence, support survivors, and encourage our leaders to hold the perpetrators accountable. At home with family, after all, should be the safest place in the world for each of us.