Editorial: One person affected by domestic violence is one too many

Published 10:00 am Sunday, October 28, 2018

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time that we typically set aside editorial space to bring attention to this issue and how it impacts so many in the local community. This year, however, the message takes on a new meaning as the community recently lost one of its biggest advocates in the effort to end domestic violence. 

Baldwin County Solicitor General Maxine Blackwell, who passed away earlier this month, was perhaps this community’s fiercest advocate for domestic violence victims and their families, helping bring greater attention to the issue and how it impacts so many in this community. 

The annual community march and candlelight vigil in October, the victim’s rights march held every spring, both organized through the solicitor’s office, have brought greater focus to the issue and highlighted the local resources available to support those in need. Taking the message into local schools by talking to young people about teen dating abuse, as well as the local In Our Best Interest support group, have also helped spread the message and informed people, particularly young people and their parents, about the warning signs of abusive relationships and how to seek help.

These programs were all a part of Blackwell’s vision and her mission for the past several years to decrease the number of local domestic violence cases and remind those affected that the victims’ services program and solicitor general’s office are there for those that need them.

All too often, the names and faces of victims go unnoticed and unknown until tragedy strikes. The reach of those affected frequently extends beyond those impacted directly to span generations: spouses, daughters, sons, children, grandchildren and beyond. The circumstances defy region or geography and are not defined by race, age or gender.

There are many names and numerous cases that we can look to right here in Baldwin County. Far too many lives have been cut short in the cycle of abuse, which affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States annually, according to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

But we all can play a role in helping combat the issue.

As a community, we can honor Blackwell’s impact by working to ensure that her vision is fulfilled. Find ways to support efforts to victims of domestic violence — in your neighborhood, through a church, a local nonprofit, on local college campuses or throughout the community.

If you are in an abusive relationship, know that there are solutions and help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800 799-7233, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474. Locally, call the solicitor general’s office at 478-445-4445. Call a friend. Call a loved one. Call someone for help.

One person affected by domestic violence is one too many.