Letter - End domestic violence

Talk about it

To the editor:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a male partner at some point in their lives? Did you know that in 2007, 22 women and 10 children were murdered in Minnesota as a result of domestic violence? Did you know that in 2007, Someplace Safe of Douglas County, an organization that serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and general crimes, worked with 310 survivors of domestic abuse?

Our small community may seem safe from violence, but behind closed doors, people are being terrorized in their own homes.

I urge all members of this community to attend the “Taking Steps Against Violence” walk on October 14 to show their support in ending domestic violence. Participants will begin organizing on the Douglas County Courthouse lawn at 4:45 p.m. and walk for approximately 10 blocks through town, ending at Calvary Church.

Our guest speaker Patty Wetterling will address the crowd after the walk. Food and beverages will be provided free of charge and free T-shirts will be given to the first 200 participants.

I also encourage attendance at the Domestic Abuse Awareness Luncheon the following afternoon on October 15. This will occur from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arrowwood Resort and will feature Extreme Makeover: Home Edition recipient Vicki Swenson. Vicki and her family were featured on the TV show after she adopted her sister’s four children following the brutal murder of her sister, Terri Lee, by the hands of her ex-boyfriend.

I also recommend that everyone register to vote and to vote for candidates who care about promoting justice, providing safety and preparing for the future of all victims of domestic violence. Thank you for your support.

Amity Schneider, advocate

Someplace Safe

Alexandria, MN

Tags: domestic, violence, awareness, month, someplace, safe, patty, wetterling