As part of a national movement to prevent and end domestic violence, Atchison County, Missouri, recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

C.A.R.E. of Atchison County invites everyone to join them October 9, 2019, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at their 13th annual candlelight vigil held on the east steps of the Atchison County Courthouse in Rock Port.

“Domestic violence happens in all communities – that includes Atchison County. The good news is that Missouri women, children and men victimized by domestic violence have more access to help and protection than they have ever had before,” said Nikki Graves, Victim Advocate with C.A.R.E. of Atchison County. “By working together, we can offer hope and safety to those in need, to ensure that every abused person in Missouri receives the life-saving services and resources provided by dedicated advocates in domestic violence programs throughout our state, in every community.”

According to the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), 35,983 survivors of domestic violence were helped in 2018 by programs through times of crisis, emergency and danger. MCADSV reports that on a single day in 2018, 1,937 domestic violence victims and their children sought help and safety from domestic violence programs because of the violence in their homes.

Outreach initiatives must continue because many adults, youth and children are still in need of shelter and services. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to advance prevention and awareness efforts in Missouri.

October is a time for all Americans to recognize and join in the life-changing work that supports and empowers survivors of domestic abuse. Together we can mitigate the costs of these crimes on our society by supporting local services, promoting laws, policies and programs that improve services, hold offenders accountable, and increase prevention education to prevent violence from occurring in our homes and communities.

During the past three decades, Missouri has made significant advancements in securing rights, protections and services for victims of domestic violence. Lawmakers and domestic violence advocates have worked together to strengthen legal protections for victims, enhance penalties for offenders, establish orders of protection with criminal penalties for violations, obtain funding for domestic violence services and shelters, ensure confidentiality for the safety and dignity of victims, and strengthen child welfare laws to protect abused parents and their children.

We have a special opportunity during the month of October to make sure that every member of our community – survivors and their families, advocates, law enforcement officers, the courts, and all Missourians – have the tools, resources, information and support to prevent and end domestic violence.

To help make a difference for survivors of domestic violence, contact Nikki Graves or Teresa Morehouse, victim advocates for C.A.R.E. of Atchison County, Inc., at 660-744-9966.