Domestic violence does not discriminate. It occurs in every economic environment, ethnic or religious background, age and community status. Alcoholism or other substance addictions, threats and physical abuse are common factors. Domestic violence devastates lives, families and communities. Yet, many times, domestic violence remains a dirty little secret not to be discussed or shared. This needs to change if impacts are going to be made in the prevention of domestic violence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), across the U.S. domestic violence has an estimated $8.3 billion annual cost to the economy. Other NCADV statistics relate an average of 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partners every minute in the U.S. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner. 1 in 3 female and 1 in 20 male murder victims were killed by their intimate partner. Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime. The numbers are tragic, but they are more than statistics. Those numbers represent real people and families who are suffering. Public support and partnerships with local advocacy groups and victim shelters affirms the commitments communities should have in protecting and serving victims.