Let's end the abuse

Each year the Southwest Crisis Center joins advocates, survivors and supporters across the nation to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.
Last year, the Southwest Crisis Center served over 500 individuals, families and children, providing nearly 5,000 services.
Domestic violence goes beyond the visible black eyes and bruises to encompass all forms of power and control such as isolation, a ruined credit score to keep a partner dependent, gaslighting, and threatening the safety and well-being of kids.
Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, socio-economic status or religious affiliation, can experience domestic violence.
This year’s national campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is.
No community is immune from domestic violence and its effects.
Whether we are aware of it or not, we all have friends, family members, co-workers and acquaintances who are experiencing/have experienced abusive behavior in a relationship. Therefore, we all can be that person of support and encouragement because we all know someone.
While supporting someone, it is important to note that ultimately it is the person experiencing the violence who is the expert in their own life and in the behavior of their abuser; therefore, a support person should never push their thoughts and ideas on the person they are trying to support.
Purple ribbons have been placed throughout area towns in recognition and support of those impacted by violence and to continue to raise awareness about this important issue.
For free and confidential services and information, individuals who think they may be experiencing domestic violence or who would like to know how they can help be the support person for someone can call the Southwest Crisis Center 24/7 safe line at 800-376-4311 or send a message through our website www.mnswcc.org.