October is also Domestic Abuse Awareness Month

We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — it’s highlighted across the NFL and many other sports. Locally, our community recognizes it through events like the pink volleyball game between the Basin and Greybull schools. These efforts are meaningful and raise vital awareness for a serious issue.

But did you know that while one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, one in three women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime?

October is also Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and it deserves attention too.

Domestic abuse can take many forms: physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and even technological. Often, it’s a combination of these. While women and children are more frequently at risk, men can also be victims of abuse, and they are statistically far less likely to report it.

One of the most challenging aspects of domestic abuse is that it’s often invisible from the outside. Abusers tend to act differently in public and may isolate their victims, making it hard for others to see what’s happening behind closed doors.

It’s crucial to understand the different types of abuse and how they affect victims. For adult victims, leaving an abusive situation is rarely easy. In fact, it’s often more frightening than staying. Abusers may use threats involving family, children or even pets to maintain control, trapping their victims in a cycle of fear and dependency.

If you know or suspect someone is being abused, here are a few important things to remember:

If the victim is a child or a vulnerable adult, you should report it to law enforcement or protective services immediately.

If the victim is a capable adult, you cannot force them to leave — but you can make a difference by offering support without judgment.

One of the most powerful things you can do is help break their isolation. Let them know they’re not alone. Create a safe space for them to talk. Don’t ask why they haven’t left or blame them for staying. Instead, offer empathy, listen without judgment, and help them feel seen and supported.

There are many online resources that offer guidance on creating a safety plan. Locally, CARES provides shelter and support services for women in crisis. Encourage those affected to seek professional help — but understand that leaving an abusive situation is often a long and complicated process. Patience and compassion go a long way.

Finally, one of the best ways we can help is by raising awareness. Don’t be afraid to talk about domestic violence. Many victims feel alone, ashamed, or hopeless. The more we talk, the more we make it clear: they are not alone, they deserve help, and support is available — when they are ready.

If you’re in a position to help someone, do so with love, without pressure, and without judgment. Keep showing up. Keep listening. Sometimes, knowing someone cares can be the first step toward breaking free.

(Rain Potter is a family nurse practitioner at Three Rivers Health.)