Submitted by Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Services

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for our community to come together and build awareness and a partnership to end family and relationship violence.

Domestic violence touches every person in our community and society as a whole; it violates a person’s dignity, safety, and basic human rights. Join with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) as we celebrate the survivors and mourn the victims of the violence.

Stand with us in the movement for a safer and healthier community. Show your support and learn how you can make a difference by attending our upcoming events. Our theme this year is, “Why Domestic Violence is a Community Issue.”

n Oct.1: A community forum and interactive learning experience, 6 p.m. at the Mullis Community Senior Center in Friday Harbor, will feature a panel of community experts and keynote speaker Senator Kevin Ranker; free hors d’oeuvre, dessert and beverage will be served.

n Oct. 10: “Remember My Name”: Join us for a vigil in remembrance of victims killed by perpetrators of domestic violence; at San Juan County Courthouse, at noon.

n Oct. 24: Local Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, 5-8 p.m.; adults $10, children  (under 12), $5. Vegetarian menu and to go orders available. Entertainment by Grisha Krivchenia, pianist and Sasha von Dassow, cellist. Tickets at the door, or contact DVSAS for advance ticket sales.

For more information call DVSAS Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m., 378-8680.

By the numbers: In 2011, in Washington State:

• 42 people were killed by domestic violence abusers.

• 13 abusers committed murder – suicide.

• 83 percent of victims killed by partners were women. 17 percent were men.

• Three domestic violence fatality cases involved same-sex partners.

• The youngest victim, killed by her boyfriend, was 13 years old. The oldest victim, killed by his wife, was 83 years old.

• 17 children witnessed a domestic violence murder.