A war zone. The mental image of the Middle East immediately comes to mind. Unfortunately, you do not need to travel 1,000 miles to witness the harm of living in a perpetual battle.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over someone. In domestic violence situations, the abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological actions or threats.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It does not matter your race, age, gender, sexual orientation or religion. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

According to National Domestic Violence hotline, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Are men victims? Yes, men are victims of domestic violence too. One in 14 men will experience domestic violence.

Besides adults, many children and teens will experience and witness domestic violence. Children of any age or gender can experience domestic violence. We need to protect the most vulnerable people in society, our children.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Local resources are available in the Racine and Kenosha area. Contact Women’s Resource Center in Racine or Women and Children’s Horizons in Kenosha. If you are in an abusive relationship, you are not alone, it is not your fault and supportive help is available. Anyone can help domestic violence by donating, volunteering at shelters and participating in awareness events. We all can break the silence of domestic violence together.

Jacque Ness