Each year since 1987, October has been proclaimed National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The purple ribbon campaign was adopted by domestic violence advocates, friends and families as a visible symbol of support. The display of purple ribbons sends the message there is no place for violence in the home, community, workplace or schools.

The numbers are frightening. The assaults too frequent, and they impact on our lives and on our communities is too devastating for us to tolerate this any longer.

According to national experts, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence continues to plague our society and permeates our daily lives. Odds are that’s either you, someone in your family or someone you know very well has at one time or another been subjected to an act of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is not just the physical act of hitting, throwing thins, shooting, stabbing kicking or beating another human being. It is verbal, sexual, financial, emotional and religious.

Seniors, teens, children, members of all races, males, females, the poor, the rich and “in-between” can all be victims of domestic violence.

On Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil at the Harlan County Courthouse (Central Street entrance) — to mourn victims who did not survive domestic violence, to celebrate survivors and connect with each other to make our homes and community safer. There will be special guest speakers, music, door prizes, refreshments and information available.

Domestic violence thrives in secrecy and silence. Join to help break the silence and end the violence.

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available, Call the 24-hour Crisis Line 800-755-5348 for safe shelter. If you need information, help with safety planning, information or assistance in filing an Emergency Protective Order, or would like to know more about participating in awareness projects, contact Sheryl Caudel, Harlan County Domestic Violence Victim’s Advocate,at 606-392-1129.