It was back in 1981 that the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence sponsored the first Day of Unity to help those who suffer at the hands of spouses or intimate partners.
But one day wasn't enough and the event quickly became a weeklong observance, marked in many locations across the country.
By 1987, the movement had gone nationwide and for the first time October was designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congress recognized the month in 1989 and since then every October has been proclaimed as a time to educate the public about domestic violence, raise awareness of help available to victims, and honor the strength and courage of those who break the cycle and build a new life for themselves.
Domestic violence is not a problem of only the poor or uneducated as some might think. It affects those in every walk of life. It's a problem in our area as well.
Domestic Violence Prevention Inc. here in Texarkana helped nearly 700 survivors from Bowie, Miller, Hempstead, Little River and Nevada counties in 2016 alone.
Nationwide, anywhere from a million to as many as 6 million people are victims of such abuse every year. The cost in dollars from lost work, police investigations and medical care tops $5 billion per year. The costs in human suffering cannot be measured in mere dollars.
In his proclamation for this year's observance, President Donald Trump spotlighted the key reasons why the month is so important.
"We share a moral obligation to recognize, address, and stop domestic violence. Each of us must be a voice for those suffering in silence and must speak up when we see signs of physical or emotional abuse. Together we can bolster victims' support networks and encourage and empower them to report offenses," he wrote.
"Empower them to report offenses." That's especially important because in many cases domestic abuse goes unreported. Sometimes it's because of fear, sometimes because of shame. That must change. Domestic violence doesn't just mean bruises, broken bones and shattered minds. Thousands of victims die each year in domestic violence incidents.
If you have been the victim of domestic violence, or know someone who has, it's important to contact local authorities. the DVP Hotline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 903-794-4357.
If you would like to help DVP in their mission or volunteer, call 903-794-4000.
No one should have to live with domestic violence. And not one more victim should have to die.