JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Jamestown Safe Shelter is one local resource that is taking time to spread the awareness of just how many are affected by domestic violence not just nationwide, but locally.

Safe Shelter Executive Director Lynne Tally says they describe domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior.

The theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is “Every1KnowsSome1”. Tally added that while women are a majority of domestic abuse cases nationally, a lot of men can be victims as well.

Safe Shelter serves both Stutsman and Foster counties with their counseling, education advocates, and working alongside policy makers and law enforcement to help bring awareness to communities. This is done with the hope of changing people’s behaviors and attitudes towards domestic violence.

A majority of domestic violence cases in 2020 locally occurred between the ages between 25 to 59 with 65% being a spouse, cohabitating partner, or dating partner being a victim. Cases range from physical abuse, to psychological abuse and sexual abuse.

Another resource Safe Shelter has at it’s disposal is Mary’s Place, a three-bedroom facility built in 2018 to temporarily house victims of domestic violence.

Operating as a non-profit, Tally says they’re also in need of volunteers to man their crisis hotline.

Safe Shelter continues to provide free and confidential help 24/7 for those in Stutsman & Foster counties who need it. They can be contacted at jamestownsafeshelter.org or by calling 701-251-2300 or 1-888-253-7233 (SAFE).

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Lynne Tally below: