MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Editorials

Discussion

November 8, 2009

End domestic violence

October is over, but an October observance — domestic violence prevention — should carry over throughout the rest of the year.

During the final days of last month, Muskogee County advocates for area families marched 55 cutouts denoting the deaths of that many people as a result of domestic violence in Oklahoma since 2003. The message is that domestic disputes should not, do not, have to end in violence. There are better ways to handle disagreements.

As we know, of course, humans are creatures of habit and upbringing. Violence often is a response that is learned and imparted from one generation to the next.



For help

Oklahoma Safeline: (800) 522-7233 (SAFE)

Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (M-F/9-5) Referrals (405) 524-0700

In Muskogee, Women In Safe Home, Crisis line: 682-7878





But that cycle can be broken if people are willing to seek help and willing to change. Oklahoma and national advocacy organizations offer assistance to those suffering from domestic violence.

If you need help, call so that your situation doesn’t end as those we remembered at October’s end.

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