Domestic violence knows no economic or social barriers and impacts millions of Americans.

Oftentimes victims are those whom you least expect.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and local victims’ advocates are hoping to shine a light on the issues that touches so many right here in our own county.

The Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force will have a special program and balloon launch on Oct. 7. This will be the sixth year for the event. Its main goal is to raise awareness that there is help for victims of all types of domestic abuse — whether it is physical or emotional.

The task force advocates for victims in the court system, as well as provides a safe shelter for those who need it and resources to help them become independent of their abuser. And they do all of this on a very low budget and with little resources.

But domestic violence isn’t just an issue facing the task force. It is a community issues and should be taken seriously by everyone.

Some people may say, “This isn’t my business,” but they couldn’t be more wrong.

Abuse impacts the entire community and is everyone’s responsibility.

The task force is continuing its mission of bringing that idea to light and we hope everyone will support them in raising awareness this year.