(La Porte County, IN) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local authorities are urging people to get involved if they suspect ongoing acts of violence in a home.

 

Advocates recommend approaching a person or persons they suspect are victims of abuse about it respectfully and helping them gain access to community services.

 

“Too often these heinous acts go unreported for a wide variety of reasons and many victims feel trapped with nowhere to go or are worried no one will believe them. We as a community must educate ourselves on understanding domestic violence and how we can best support victims and their families,” said La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan.

 

Statistics show that more than 40 percent of women and more than 26 percent of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetime.

 

Fagan said victims of domestic violence have the support of his office in terms of support and prosecuting cases.

 

“Domestic violence is a crime that can result in serious injury or even death. If you know that a battering incident is occurring or has taken place, do not hesitate to call the police immediately,” he said.

 

Fagan said survivors needing assistance or support should call the 24-hour domestic violence statewide hotline in Indiana at 800-332-7385 or visit thehotline.org to call/text/chat with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.