Another October is here and, sadly, we still need this month to serve as Domestic Violence Awareness month.

In Texas, shoes are hanging from the trees by a county courthouse – one pair for every person who died there of domestic assault in the preceding year.

One hundred twenty-six people. In Walker County alone.

The special events coordinator of the “In Their Shoes” event reminds us of the pervasiveness of domestic violence in our society.

“It’s happening between all family types — siblings, boyfriends, girlfriends, roommates — and no age group is safe.”

She also emphasizes an important, often overlooked message: “[a]buse can be emotional, verbal, financial, sexual or physical.”

Read more in this Huntsville [TX] Item article: SAAFE House’s ‘In Their Shoes’ focuses on domestic violence.