Be aware

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to increase public awareness about the realities of domestic violence and encourage all individuals to take action by being a part of the solution by preventing violence before it occurs. By and large, men have not been historically engaged on the issue of preventing violence against women and children. Yet men play a key role in setting social norms for other men-whether permitting and perpetuating inappropriate male behavior or, conversely, promoting more positive attitudes and behavior related to violence against women.

Domestic Violence is a serious problem for women, and children. Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. In our county, we served 657 victims of domestic violence in 2003.

This month we encourage all individuals to support the survivors of domestic violence and challenge them to become a part of a preventative solution. We believe men-as fathers, brothers, coaches, teachers, uncles and mentors-are in a unique position to prevent domestic violence through action and conversation. Together we can prevent domestic violence.

For more information or to get involved to prevent domestic violence contact the Violence Free Crisis Line at 752-4735.

Tawnia Ramstad, Community Education Coordinator

Kalispell