Domestic violence: the subject that surrounds us but isn’t discussed nearly as much as it should be. It’s everywhere. It’s happening around the world, around our country, around our campuses. It often goes unnoticed but this is something we can no longer choose to ignore.

Domestic violence can be defined as violent, aggressive, and abusive (physical and mental) behavior that often happens inside of relationships – whether that relationship is immediate family or intimate.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, some of the cold, hard facts include:

• By the time you’ve started to read this article, someone has been affected. A woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the United States.
• One in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
• On average nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Over the span of one year, this equals more than 10 million women and men.
• On an average day there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
• Women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
• Domestic violence is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.
• One in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90 percent of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and it is our job not only to raise awareness but also to change the way we look, think, and act about domestic violence. Chances are you know someone who is a victim, past or currently. It could be a co-worker, a friend, a sister, a fellow student – people we love and care about who may be too afraid to speak up. With this being such a widespread problem, it is our responsibility to be a support system, speak up, and take a stand for those who can’t.

Here are some possible signs of someone in an abusive relationship:

• The person is becoming distant
• Things in their relationship are very up and very down
• They feel the need to be defensive over themselves or the other person
• They are irritable, easily upset, or stand-offish
• You get a bad vibe from someone they are constantly with
• The person blames themselves for fights
• They are putting up with things that they shouldn’t be (being yelled at, talked down to, etc.)
• There are constant bruises and marks they try to hide/have excuses for

While there are many signs, the previously listed are just a few. You should always use your best judgment. If you recognize these or other signs and you feel as though you should act on it, try talking to the person if you are comfortable doing so and see if they will open up to you. If the situation seems bad enough you have every right to go to the police. It is better to know that you did what you could than to do nothing at all.

There are many national organizations that are fighting every single day to educate the public and spread awareness about domestic violence. I am extremely proud to be a member of Alpha Chi Omega who’s national philanthropy has been domestic violence awareness since 1992 when the fraternity decided to fight against unhealthy relationships and focus on building healthy ones.

Please think about what you have read. Not only during the month of October but all the time, please take a stand. Do not choose to ignore what could possibly save someone’s life. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, call someone. Do something. The National Domestic Violence hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can provide assistance to any possible situation. The phone number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3324. It does not matter how you make a difference, it only matters that you do so. It is our responsibility as college campuses, as a community, and as a country to speak up and act for all of those who are suffering and have been affected by this issue. Remember that love should never hurt and tomorrow is never promised.