To the editor,
October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. It is a time to be mindful of everyday actions we can take in our own lives and communities that will help prevent this common societal problem.
Since Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan was founded more than 40 years ago, awareness and understanding of domestic abuse have improved, but there is still work to be done.
Domestic abuse impacts survivors, families and friends of survivors, co-workers, businesses, healthcare providers, hospitals, and the entire community. When children are exposed to domestic abuse in the home, it causes stress and anxiety that affects their ability to focus and succeed at school. When domestic violence seeps outside of the home, both adult and child community members are put at risk.
October is an opportunity to focus on how we can help create safe and thriving communities every day of the year:
Together, with our hearts and minds in unity, we can build a sense of belonging and connectedness in our communities – where people feel safe, supported and free from harm.
Sincerely,
Suzann Barger, WRCNM Outreach and Advocacy Program Director
Megan King, WRCNM Violence Prevention Coordinator
