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To the editor:
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
We have a silent epidemic in our community and despite its severe ramifications and consequences, most of us continue to ignore it and live our lives as if it didn’t exist. Just look at what is happening in our community every day.
In 2021: The Alexandria Police Department responded to 225 calls for assistance relative to domestic violence.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department received 157 calls for assistance for the same issues.
Someplace Safe, a service organization specifically serving the domestic violence issue, received 1,110 calls and requests related to domestic and family violence.
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That‘s an average of 4.2 calls for help every day. And this isn’t the total picture — domestic violence is one of the most persistently under-reported crimes. It’s time for more of us to address this issue, to learn what is going on around us and take the necessary steps to reduce this epidemic.
If you have any questions, you may contact Someplace Safe at 320-762-1995.
Join us. Learn more about domestic violence; show your support and help our community address this epidemic.
Tony Kuhnau
United Communities Advocating Non-Violence (UCAN) Committee President
Alexandria, MN
