Domestic violence is a reality that affects millions of people and families each year. Understanding the signs is crucial for early intervention and prevention.

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, which can lead to injury or even death. Understanding the dynamics involved in abusive relationships and recognizing the signs is crucial and can even be life-saving.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In recognition, State Representative Patti Bellock introduced and passed legislation this year, HR 254, to support and commend the efforts of those people and organizations who work tirelessly to help victims break free of the devastating effects of domestic abuse.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October of 1981, and was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Since 1989, October has been designated as National Domestic Violence Month. Read more.

To learn more, please visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence online at www.ncadv.org.

One in four women will experience domestic violence.

October is National Domestic ViolenceAwareness Month. Though 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, many are silent. Help build awareness and end the abuse. Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.

Know the signs of an abusive relationship and spread the word:

• Exerting strict control (financial, social and/or appearance).
• Needing constant contact including excessive texts and calls.
• Emotional abuse including insulting a partner in front of other people.
• Extreme jealousy.
• Showing fear around a partner.
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Frequent canceling of plans at the last minute.
• Unexplained injuries or explanations that don’t quite add up.

To learn how to help someone in an abusive relationship or to get help for yourself, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit domesticshelters.org, the largest searchable directory of domestic violence service providers in the United States.

IDHS also maintains a list of Domestic Violence agencies by Illinois communities as does the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Break the silence. End the abuse.

A new, national survey reveals that the overwhelming majority of Americans know victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, but they do not talk about the issues with their children or friends, or take steps to help survivors.

The study "NO MORE Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Survey of Attitudes and Experiences of Teens and Adults" was commissioned by the Avon Foundation for Women, and shows an urgent need for increased awareness, conversation and education around domestic violence and sexual assault, with an emphasis on what bystanders can do to prevent violence and help victims before it is too late.

Among the key findings:

• 60% of Americans know a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault
• Three out of four (73%) parents with children under the age of 18 said that they have not had a conversation about domestic violence or sexual assault with their children
• 67% of Americans say they have not talked about domestic violence with their friends; even more, 73% have not discussed sexual assault.
• Even though 75% of Americans say that they would step in and help a stranger being abused, the reality is most people do not help.
• For example, among the 70% of women who experienced domestic violence and then told someone about it, more than half (58%) said that no one helped them.
• But 64% of Americans say if we talk more about domestic violence and sexual assault, it would make it easier to help someone.