October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: a time to remember the 22 victims of violence that have died in Minnesota this year. It is also a time to remember those living near us, working next to us and attending school with our children who are suffering at the hands of their abuser. Domestic violence may not always outright take the life of a victim, but for some it is a slow death of their self esteem and zest for life. During the week of Oct. 3 to 10 there will be a display similar to last year on the Rock County Courthouse lawn depicting the names of the violence victims who have died this year in Minnesota. Along with the names of the victims, there is a sign that has the names of the financial sponsors who helped make the display possible. Although Rock County doesn’t have any victim’s names included in the victim display, let me tell you that domestic violence does occur here. Our community owes it to the victims that are enduring domestic violence to get involved in the movement to end domestic violence by holding batterers accountable. Raevette D. LoonanSouthwest Crisis Centerwww.mnswcc.com
