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"For so many families, domestic violence is a hidden issue," Amber Morningstar of the YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania, said at this year's vigil for domestic violence awareness. "Historically it was something that you didn't talk about, so just getting the word out that we're here and we're available for survivors is key."
An estimated 28,000 women and 16,000 men in Lycoming County will encounter domestic abuse.
"Domestic violence does not discriminate," Morningstar added. "It can happen to anyone and the detriment it has on everyday life is real. Survivors are forced to rebuild their lives."
We are fortunate to have Wise Options and the YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania and their tireless efforts to assist women and children who are surviving domestic violence and its aftermath.
Amber Morningstar is correct: We need to make sure that those surviving domestic abuse know that there is help available to escape its dangers. The work the YWCA does to educate our communities is instrumental in addressing this problem.
We also are fortunate for the efforts of our police and prosecutors to apprehend, try and convict abusers. We urge everyone -- but particularly our state and federal lawmakers -- to contemplate how we can better equip police and prosecutors with the tools to investigate domestic violence and how we can more appropriately punish these awful crimes.
When we look at the terrible reality of domestic violence and its toll, it is clear that we need education and information to better help survivors begin the process of rebuilding safer, happier lives and it is just as clear we need to hold those accountable for shattering those lives responsible -- and both are the obligation of every leader, voter, neighbor and family member.