Letter to the Editor

Our community has suffered a most unfortunate and unnecessary loss this past week through domestic violence homicide. Countless members of the community have contacted Someplace Safe in recent days to express their concern, outrage and heartbreak; many wondering what they can do to help educate others so the cycle of violence can be stopped. Unfortunately, domestic violence remains an all too common occurrence in our lives, and in the lives of those we know and love. In 2008, at least 35 Minnesotans lost their lives in domestic violence-related situations.

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
(From the National Network to End Domestic Violence www.nnedv.org)

The Stevens County Violence Prevention Task Force will be holding an informational meeting for community members to discuss domestic violence and its effect on us all early in the New Year; please watch for details. If you or someone you love is in an unsafe relationship or situation, no-cost confidential help and support are available. Locally, you can call Someplace Safe Stevens County Outreach at 320.589.3208 or the 24-hour crisis line at 800.974.3359 to speak with an advocate or for more information about the services offered.

Becki Jordan
Victim Advocate
Someplace Safe Stevens County Outreach
And On Behalf of the Stevens County Violence Prevention Task Force

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