On September 28, 2021, Mayor Paul Paschall proclaimed October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a City Council meeting, urging citizens to “actively participate… to work toward eradicating domestic violence, improving victim safety, and holding perpetrators of domestic abuse accountable for their actions…”

In the United States, around 1-in-3 women and 1-in-4 men are victims of some form of violence from their partner, 1-in-4 women and 1-in-7 men are victims of severe violence, and 1 in every 10 students experience Teen Dating Violence during high school. While it can be hard to reach out or find support, Freedom House is a local organization that works to support victims of domestic violence.

“Freedom House is an agency that offers service to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault… We assist about 250 people on average each month. All they have to do is call us, it’s a strictly voluntary agency. It is totally free, there is no charge for anything we do… Oh and we do take walk-ins.” Mary Lou Curry of Freedom House said.

People who would like to support Freedom House can donate on its website, https://www.freedomhousepc.org, as well as to its annual fundraisers. Those looking to volunteer can call the Freedom House office and ask to speak to the Volunteer Coordinator.

The effects of domestic violence are real and devastating. Many women and children are left traumatized and feeling alone. In the worst cases, partners could be severely injured or worse. 

“There is a loss of work because of domestic violence, it puts strain on children who witness violence, and some of domestic violence ends in death.” Curry said.