October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That is a sign of progress.

Domestic violence is now something that people are working to eradicate. It’s no longer something that is quietly kept behind closed doors. It’s no longer shrugged off as a tool to keep obstreperous spouses or romantic partners in line.

The statistics surrounding domestic violence in the United States provide little room for cheer, however.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has reported that a woman is assaulted or beaten in the United States about every nine seconds, and about 20 Americans are subject to physical abuse by their partners every minute. Typically, domestic violence hot lines field about 20,000 calls every day across the country. And if there is a gun in a home where domestic violence occurs, the odds that an incident will end in death skyrockets by 500 percent. When you add it all up, domestic violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime.

From all indications, rates of domestic violence have increased during the last 18 months due to the stresses brought on by the pandemic. The United Nations has reported that domestic violence escalated 20 percent across the world in 2020.

Resources are available for those who need help.

Domestic violence resources are available in Trumbull County through Someplace Safe shelter. The Someplace Safe 24-hour hotline is 330-393-3005.

In Mahoning County, domestic violence resources are available through Compass Family and Community Services. The Compass Sojourner House Domestic Violence Program 24-Hour Hotline is 866-436-6269.

Perhaps one of the best ways to stop domestic violence is for parents to set a good example for their own children. While it’s inevitable that a couple will have disagreements and sometimes get on each other’s nerves, seeking to resolve arguments, or relieve frustration, through violence is not right and is never acceptable.

editorial@vindy.com