Soroptimist is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Domestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds. Most Americans do not realize just how real domestic violence is and how many lives are affected by it.

Most of these cases are left behind closed doors. That is why the Domestic Violence Awareness Month was introduced to not only educate and raise that awareness but bring the support and strength that domestic violence victims need.

The Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first introduced back in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It was created not only to bring more awareness to others but to connect and unify the millions of affected victims that had been battered due to domestic violence. Its hope is to break the chains of violence that currently have such a strong grip on our nation.

Every year, approximately 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, which equates to just about 20 people every minute. Those are startling numbers. It affects not only women but men and children of all different races, status, religions and culture. No one is immune to it.

Domestic violence shows itself in several different forms, whether it is punching, slapping, choking or threatening, manipulating, yelling and many others. No matter the situation, domestic violence is never OK.

Huge strides have already taken place ever since 1994 when the Violence Against Women Act was put in place. So many programs, services, and shelters have been made available to domestic violence victims, thanks to the issues that have been addressed to our legislation.

Just between the years of 1993 and 2010, the overall domestic violence rate had dropped dramatically by nearly two-thirds and that is not all. State legislation and laws have been reformed to tackle certain issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, employment discrimination, stalking and more.

Ever since 1987, October has been the month where domestic violence and its victims are observed. The purple ribbon is used for several other important causes but it is also in honor of domestic violence victims and support for the growing awareness.

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River helps survivors reclaim their lives by providing Comfort Kits to survivors and their children and by giving cash awards to head of household women, called the Live Your Dream award, who have overcome challenges to help survivors complete higher education. Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova

Domestic violence is usually done in secret but let us shout it from the rooftops. For the whole month of October, we can make a change by informing others and providing our resources to go towards services that help domestic violence victims.

Another alarming statistic for us to look at is that as many as three out of four Americans know of another person that has or is being abused by another individual but a lot of times, nothing is done about it. Action needs to take place, where an advocate is willing to speak up when others cannot.

If you know of someone who is being abused, are you willing to be their voice? It is time to stand up to domestic violence and tell it enough is enough. Especially during the month of October, make sure that you support domestic violence survivors and help get the word out about the destructive threat that domestic violence has on so many homes across America.

Domestic violence is never OK, no matter the circumstances. If you or someone you know is in desperate need of help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224. Just a few local resources are My Sisters House: 24-Hour Multi-lingual Help Line (916) 428-3271, https://www.my-sisters-house.org; WEAVE: Support Line (916) 920-2952, https://www.weaveinc.org; and

Sacramento Family Justice Center, Support Line (916) 875-4673, https://www.sacramentofjc.org.

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River (which includes Carmichael) helps survivors reclaim their lives by providing Comfort Kits to survivors and their children and by giving cash awards to head of household women, called the Live Your Dream award, who have overcome challenges, which domestic violence certainly is, to help survivors complete higher education.

Soroptimist is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that is what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are people at their best, working to help other women to be their best. Email [email protected] to receive more information about Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River, how to become a member or how you can volunteer with our club members, or visit http://www.soroptimistranchocordova.org.