The National Violence Against Women Survey estimates that between 25 percent of women and 7.6 percent of men in the United States report being victims of a partner in their life.

On Tuesday, the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force hosted its ninth annual program for October, which is declared nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This year’s keynote speaker was Ironton’s mayor, Katrina Keith, who shared her story of surviving domestic violence and told the audience how they could “overcome the scars” of their past and by being “victors, instead of victims.”

The task force runs the county’s domestic violence shelter, which houses those who have suffered from domestic violence and gives them the tools they need to start a new life.

Several attendees, such as members of the Lawrence County Commission, announced donations to the group’s efforts at the program and praised the work of director Elaine Payne.

We commend those who turned out and showed their support, whether with their presence or with a donation, and wish the task force continued success with its mission.