By Payton Tholstrup

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981. Across the United States, communities and advocacy groups join to raise awareness about domestic violence. Not only do they share the stories of survivors, but they also provide resources to policymakers. In Concordia, Kansas, the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK), provides support to both primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and more. The services are free and confidential. While DVACK works year-round to help raise awareness and support survivors, they encourage everyone to join together this month to raise awareness.