With the month of October having just begun, we are urged to adhere to the trends of fall. Cozy knit sweaters, pumpkin-flavored goods, and scary movie fests are just a few of the treats that October delivers. But it’s important to acknowledge that October holds some real horrors, and I’m not just talking about Fright Fest. The real horrors at hand are the ones we face every day in real life, with issues such as domestic violence.

Even though it is extremely important to recognize, many people forget tend to forget that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month because it is shared with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, we mourn those who have died, celebrate those who have conquered, and help those who are currently victims of domestic abuse. This month everyone should be urged to acknowledge the long-term effects that domestic violence has on its victims as well as learn how to prevent it.

In October, while children put on their masks and costumes, domestic violence victims are unmasking. These victims reveal their scars, both mentally and physically, to be joined by the comfort of others who have suffered and can relate. Many women who face physical abuse are forced into silence under the oppression of their abusers. Holding in all the pain can be extremely detrimental to these victims in multiple ways. In keeping the secret of an abuser, it is enabling them to continue and cause further harm. Despite the physical effects, these victims can be psychologically manipulated to feel as if they are the issue and causation of the mistreatment in their relationship. With the manipulation of their minds, scientists have suggested that there is a relationship between partner violence and depression. It is important that these victims be able to speak with others who have survived domestic abuse in order to get guidance on how to escape the violence in a judgment-free way. According to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website, only 34 percent of people who are injured by some sort of domestic violence seek and receive medical help! Oftentimes it is difficult for victims to speak with non-victims, solely because judgement can be passed unknowingly. The awareness in October allows for domestic violence victims to be surrounded by support and comfort when addressing the issue.

You don’t need to be the one getting abused to feel its effects. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also stated that one in 15 children will witness their loved ones experiencing domestic violence and that these kids later suffer from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. This creates an unsafe environment for children of the victims. Many times, abusers convince their children that the violence is natural and permissible. As the children of these victims grow, the long-term effects become evident. These kids will have a much higher possibility of becoming abusers themselves due to the fact that they were conditioned to believe that violence is acceptable. This is not always the case, however. Children who do not continue in a path of violence will most likely still have trouble with forming relationships. Accompanying mental disorders, trust issues will evolve, and trouble with intimacy will accompany the children who have witnessed domestic violence in their youth.

There are so many people who suffer silently, so it’s important to let them know that you support them! This month I urge everyone to participate in the celebration of domestic violence awareness, and wear purple in honor of all of those who encounter domestic violence in their everyday lives. Share the real meaning of October with everyone you see this month, and help to make the mission to end domestic violence more known.