October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence happens across our country every minute of every day. Unfortunately, it’s all around us. Because of that, it’s important to understand what domestic violence is. That way, if you know someone in a domestic violence situation, you’ll know what to do.

Domestic violence takes many forms. It might be what we commonly think about when we think about domestic violence – physical abuse. But, it can also be mental or emotional abuse.

Here are some things to think about if you or someone you know might be in a domestic violence situation:

• Is there physical violence? (Hitting, shoving, punching, choking)
• Are there any threats to hurt or kill?
• Is there name-calling?
• Are there limits on where you can go? What you can do? Who you can talk to?
• Unexpected check-ins at work, home, school or somewhere else?
  
  

Talk to someone you trust if you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions. It can be a friend, doctor or help center, like the National Domestic Violence Hotline. They can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give them a call at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), TTY: 1-800-787-3224.

Remember, you are not alone. Reach out. Get help. Make the changes you need to be safe.