Letter - Every one of us has a voice

Talk about it

To the editor:

This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that in 2008, at least 21 women, two men and seven children were murdered in Minnesota as a result of domestic violence?

Did you know that Linda Green of Osakis was shot to death by her husband in a murder-suicide on August 14, 2006? 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 2008, Someplace Safe served 218 women and men in Douglas County who were fearful of abusers who were violent in their homes?

Our small community may seem safe from violence, but behind closed doors, women, children and sometimes men are being terrorized in their own homes.

Someplace Safe, United Communities Advocating Non-Violence (UCAN) and Wings Family Supportive Services are working together to sponsor two meaningful events this month.

I urge all residents of Alexandria and the Douglas County community to attend the Taking Steps Against Domestic Violence walk on Tuesday, October 13 at 5 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse to remember Linda Green and to show your support in helping make our community violence free.

I also invite everyone to attend the Domestic Abuse Awareness Luncheon on Wednesday, October 14 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arrowwood Resort with nationally recognized speaker Cordelia Anderson, to learn about the prevention of violence.

Every one of us has a voice. I challenge you to use your voice to be a part of strengthening the vision of an abuse-free community. Come and join us one October 13 and 14 to show your support in making our community a healthier, safer place to live.

Susan Keehn, advocate,

Someplace Safe

Alexandria, MN

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