October is the month to raise awareness of the problem of intimate partner violence, known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the United States, one in three women and one in four men have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. The incidence of domestic violence is on the rise with the additional burdens brought on families by the Pandemic. The most dangerous time for a woman escaping a domestic violence situation is at the time that she physically leaves, meaning that many times these women must escape along with their children only having the clothes on their backs. There is an organization that tries to help these families with a safe place to stay and support to begin the healing process, and that is Shelter House, Inc. the only state-certified domestic and sexual violence center serving victims of Okaloosa and Walton counties. As part of our Community Service Projects, the Democratic Women’s Club of Walton County collected donations from members in June in order to provide needed cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products, and kids snacks to support these families. In addition to a confidential shelter, Shelter Place offers many services for their clients, including court advocacy, peer counseling, support groups, primary prevention, transitional housing, economic empowerment workshops, 24-hour domestic violence hotline, 24-hour sexual assault helpline, child therapy services and supportive services for family members of sexual violence victims.  All services are free and confidential. Help is available 24/7. For assistance if you are experiencing Domestic Violence call: 850-863-4777 or 1-800-44ABUSE (22873). The Sexual Assault Helpline number is: 850-226-2027

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