October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence is a problem everywhere, including Lauderdale and surrounding counties.

A large percentage of 911 calls and law-enforcement responses are the result of domestic violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

— Every nine seconds, a woman is assaulted or beaten in the United States.

— An average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute in the U.S.

— There are more than 10 million abuse victims across the U.S. annually.

— One in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.

— One in five women and one in seven men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.

— One in seven women and one in 18 men have been stalked. Stalking causes targets to fear they or someone close to them will be harmed or killed.

— On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive approximately 20,800 calls.

— The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.

— Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.

— Domestic violence is most common among women between the ages of 18-24.

— 19% of domestic violence involves a weapon.

— Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.

— Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.

Care Lodge, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission of helping victims of domestic violence in East Mississippi, reports it helped 786 people in 2023 with shelter provided to 206 families. The organization, which has operated in the area for more than 40 years, serves residents across a nine-county area including Lauderdale, Clarke, Newton, Scott, Leake, Neshoba, Kemper, Winston and Noxubee counties.

We commend the professionals at Care Lodge for their dedication to those looking to escape a dangerous situation. We also thank law enforcement in both the county and city for trained professionals who are often called upon to defuse those dangerous situations and to help victims in caring and sensitive ways.

Domestic violence within families is something no one wants to discuss. However, it is a conversation that must take place. The culture needs to be changed and the cycle needs to be broken.

We encourage more public dialogue and more conversations among families, especially children, to make it clear that violence is not a solution to problems in relationships and is never the right way to express frustrations or anger.

If you need help leaving a domestic violence situation, or know someone in need, contact the Care Lodge 24-Hour Crisis Line at 601-693-4637.

For additional help or information, visit several carelodge.com or visit The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence website at mcadv.org.