October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, it is meant to be a time where "we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country."
We are reminded of the importance of committing ourselves to this issues when reading stories like the one written by Abby Simmons this week in the Star Tribune. The story describes the murder of Pam Taschuk, a social worker from Lino Lakes. The perpetrator committed suicide--and was also Pam's husband of 22 years.
The disturbing thing about Pam's death was the many times that police had investigated calls at her home. The many times police had responded to calls about her husband bullying people all over the community. But he was never caught committing a serious crime, and those he bullied were never willing to testify.
The story--one that happened in our own city--reminds us of the complicated cycle that characterizes relationships involving domestic violence. We are reminded that how even when the violence is clear, it is difficult to stop. So perhaps our first commitment should be to ensuring those around us who may be experiencing violence know of our personal and communal support.
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