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Many of us are able to go about our day without being worried we are safer outside our homes than inside. But during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is important to remember there are those all around us, and of all ages, who live with those fears.
In fact, on a recent Monday morning, a click on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website thehotline.org revealed a message that said "At this time, we are experiencing unusually high call/chat volume."
Sadly, such a problem is nothing new. A one-day census of domestic violence programs on Sept. 12, 2019, showed 2,640 victims served in a single day in Ohio: 1,499 adult and child victims of domestic violence ended up in emergency shelters, transitional housing or other housing provided by local programs; 1,141 adult and child victims received non-residential assistance and services, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. On that same day, there were another 263 unmet requests for services, of which 239 were for housing and emergency shelter.
You can help in so many ways. Listen and support those who are living in fear. If you suspect abuse, report it. Support the organizations dedicated to helping them.
If you are a victim, reach out. There is help. Resources such as thehotline.org are a good place to start. We can do better, folks. For the next generation, and for those living in fear now. There is hope.