October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

About 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime according to Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey (2000).

Domestic violence is especially devastating because it occurs in what started as a loving relationship. For someone not involved, it may be difficult to understand why a woman would stay in such a situation. But there can be many reasons, not the least of which is genuine fear for her safety or that of her children. An abuser is trying to control another person and if that control is challenged the abuse typically increases as the abuser tries to regain control.

According to the report, Crimes in Missouri, 2007, there were 673 domestic violence incidents in Cole county last year. There were over 37,000 incidents statewide.

If you would like more information about domestic violence in Missouri, please visit the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence web site. You will find tons of information and resources there.

If you need help finding services in Missouri, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.