Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Steps to HOPE in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.
As we come to the end of Domestic Violence Awareness month, please help each of us to be mindful that family violence does not only occur just one month a year, it is with us 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. It is possibly happening in the homes of our families, friends and neighbors without our knowledge.
Sadly, this year’s statistics for domestic violence homicides in North Carolina posted through Sept. 19 is 52 murders, in less than nine months. I was astonished to see this number increased significantly since I last ran this report, approximately one month ago.
Education and prevention are vital to stop the cycle of violence.
Steps to HOPE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through their crisis line 828-894-2340. Call for assistance.
Steps to HOPE services are strictly confidential.
– article submitted by Cherie Wright