Domestic Violence Awareness Month underway

October marks the 33rd annual domestic violence awareness month. This is a time when communities come together to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence and to honor those who have been affected by violence.

The Charlotte House is a program of St. James Family Center. They provide services for victims of domestic and sexual violence and their families. They join other domestic violence programs around the nation in asking the community to highlight purple – which is the color for domestic violence awareness. Around Wahkiakum County purple lights are displayed in area businesses, table tents are displayed in local restaurants, and purple ribbons are on light posts along Main Street in Cathlamet. The Charlotte House thanks all these businesses for showing their support to survivors of domestic violence and to the services they provide.

Domestic violence is everywhere – affecting millions of individuals across the US regardless of age, economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or education. Domestic violence is not only physical abuse, but can include emotional, financial, verbal, psychological, sexual and technology-facilitated abuse as well.

Consider these statistics: One in three women will be a victim of domestic or sexual violence at some point in her lifetime, and each day an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claimed to love them. Domestic violence affects everyone; victims are family members, neighbors, coworkers and friends.

The support of the community is vital in their efforts to continue to educate individuals on the importance of the work they do to end domestic violence.

For those would like more information, call 360-795-6400 or toll free 866-795-9381. All services are free and confidential.