As the Olmsted County Board proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Chairwoman Stephanie Podulke noted things have changed.

She recalled working with the local women’s shelter before there was physical shelter, when volunteers would take abused women into their homes. They were frequently contacted by women who received a card from police officers after a call regarding domestic violence.

Podulke recalled an astonishing conversation during that time: “One of the law enforcement officer’s statement to me was ‘Why don’t you just give these out in the food-stamp line?’”

“Think about how far law enforcement and community awareness has come since then,” she added.

Unfortunately, we haven’t come far enough.

Last year, 34 victims of domestic violence were murdered in Minnesota. Countless others were injured, some who are known and too many who continue to hide their physical and emotional scars.

While more than 65,000 adults receive domestic violence services each year in Minnesota, less than 50 percent of victims seek help, according to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women.

The grim statistics proves more must be done. Still, we’re glad to know attitudes are changing. Domestic violence is not something found in only certain households; it cuts a tragic path across demographics.

Awareness efforts must be just as broad.

As Neil Dennison of Olmsted County’s Victim Services program noted, “It’s important to bring up our domestic violence awareness, not just for women but for everyone — men, children, teenagers.”

Podulke said that increased awareness makes a difference. “I’m proud of everyone for growing and understanding how serious domestic violence is and what a long legacy it passes down to children,” she said.

That legacy means we need to continue to support efforts to raise awareness, throughout October and throughout the year.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides a chance to increase conversations. As events occur throughout the region, they offer opportunities to support local shelters, as well as provide insights on how to prevent domestic violence.

Dennison pointed out that fighting domestic violence isn’t always a matter of stepping between an abuser and victim or even offering shelter. Sometime, it’s a matter of shining a light on improper attitudes, demonstrating ways to change mannerisms and being willing to speak up. “There’s many ways you can stand up to domestic violence,” he said.

On a larger scale, we need to continue to ensure housing and services are available for anyone seeking to leave abusive relationship. We ensure services are accessible to all, and we need to continue raising awareness whenever possible.

Whether you have a personal connection to domestic violence or not, take time this month to learn more about it. Raise your own awareness.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a way to step in and help someone put an end to a brutal legacy.

— Rochester Post Bulletin, Sept. 29