Since 1987, October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It's a time to shine a light on the harsh reality of domestic violence and the millions of women and men who are victim to it every year.

It's important that people in domestic violence situations know that there are people out here who will believe their stories and be in the corner as they come out of the shadows and take back their lives, and an event coming to Killeen this weekend is aimed at doing just that.

The free Community Walk Against Domestic Violence will take place at Killeen's Lions Park, 1700 E Stan Schlueter Loop, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Mayor Jose Segarra will take part, joined by members of the Killeen Police Department,  the Killeen Fire Department, Families in Crisis, Fort Hood’s Victim Advocacy Program, and more community partners.

Again, it's free to take part in the event if you'd like to show your support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. If you'd like to be there, you're encouraged to wear purple or even a colorful costume to show your support.

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Sadly, domestic violence is a daily reality for many in our community. An estimated ten million men and women are physically abused by a partner each year, and in Texas, 35% of men and women experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.

Data indicates that the added pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic has only made the matter worse.

Hopefully events like this can not only raise awareness, but show victims that there are people out here who want to help and will be in their corner.

If you're currently the victim of domestic abuse and need help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org, or by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233).

You are not alone, and you do not deserve the abuse. You are loved, and there are people out here who want to help.

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