Stopping "Domestic Violence" Is A Must

"Domestic violence claimed the lives of four women in Franklin County during a three-month period last year.

So far this year, thankfully, there haven't been any deaths due to domestic violence. But the lack of high-profile incidents doesn't mean domestic violence is on the decline locally.

High-profile murder-suicides are just the tip of the iceberg, according to Barbara Channing, executive director of Women In Need. Between July 1, 2006, and June 30 this year, WIN worked with more than 1,300 victims and "significant others," providing more than 7,500 hours of counseling, advocacy and support.

The number of Protection from Abuse orders granted in the county is running ahead of last year: 100 were issued for all of last year, compared to 99 so far this year.

Education is the key to helping people understand violence and its effects, according to WIN, which has a variety of educational events and observances planned for this month, designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

But equally important is having law enforcement and court systems that treat domestic violence seriously and make it a priority to help protect victims from further abuse." |Read more|