Dear Editor:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I invite all Barry County community organizations to publicly get involved in educating citizens about domestic violence and come together in support of women and children experiencing it. We need to raise our voices!

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, “Violence and abuse are critical problems in rural areas. Their effects in rural America are often exacerbated by limited access to support services for victims, family connections with people in positions of authority, distance and geographic isolation, transportation barriers, the stigma of abuse, lack of available shelters and affordable housing, poverty as a barrier to care, and other challenges. Those who suffer from abuse are often isolated and disconnected from healthcare and social service providers, without an understanding of how to access assistance.”

This statement clearly epitomizes the problem we have in Barry County.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to control or dominate a partner, which can occur in any close relationship. Let me emphasize, from experience, abuse is not always visible. Often, we associate domestic abuse with only physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones or black eyes.

It can begin subtly with belittling comments, escalate to verbal abuse, and eventually lead to controlling behavior and physical harm.

All of these are abuse. Emotional abuse is the use of behaviors that communicate threats, humiliate or harm the survivor, and/or enforce power dynamics in which the abuser is able to maintain control over their partner.

Our community is capable of coming together to support and assist those in Barry County who desperately need life changing — and at times, life saving services.

We need a shelter, in the area of the city limits, for women and children. Though our attempt to purchase the jail failed for reasons note previously, we still feel strongly that a shelter for temporary housing would be an asset.

Domestic violence impacts every community. Our statistics are climbing and it’s time for action. Breaking the silence is the first step toward healing.

If you need help, contact someone immediately. We need a shelter for temporary housing for women and children. Let your voice be heard.

Debbie Kensinger

Eagle Rock