As people all across the U.S. stand up for victims of domestic violence during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Leader Publications takes a closer look at the problem of domestic violence in southwest Michigan. So far, the series has explored several different aspects to the issue, but now we must address you, the reader, and what you can do to help prevent domestic violence and help victims.

BERRIEN, CASS COUNTIES — If someone were to switch on the news channel or scroll through their Facebook feed, chances are they would see at least one or two stories about an incident of domestic violence before they changed the channel or moved on to a new task.

These domestic violence stories in the media are so prevalent, because domestic violence in prevalent in today’s American culture. Nearly one in three women and one in four men have reported experiencing some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, and victims of domestic violence make up more than half of murder victims, most of those victims being women, according to the Center for Disease Control.

However, representatives from local agencies designed to provide aid and support to victims of domestic violence say that change can start in the homes of average, everyday citizens.

Deborah Hackworth has dedicated her career to helping victims of domestic and sexual violence, as the director of advocacy services for Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services.

DASAS is an organization serving St. Joseph, Van Buren and Cass counties with the objective of leading efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault in southwest Michigan. DASAS offers a number of services to domestic violence victims, including: a 24-hour crisis hotline, outreach to survivors in their own community, residential and shelter services, supportive counseling, self-assessment guide to assist survivors, weekly support group, assistance in obtaining and enforcing a personal protection order, legal advocacy and accompaniment to court hearings, access to clothing, emergency medical services, financial assistance, transportation and daycare, information and referral to other services in the community, referrals to provide survivors and their families with safe, affordable housing, parenting skills assistance, and support and education for children who have witnessed domestic violence.

Though the services of DASAS are numerous, Hackworth said each one is essential.

“When times are tough, and we have thought about what can be cut, we can’t cut anything,” she said. “Each service is necessary for people to get out of their domestic violence situations, rebuild their lives and thrive in life.”

Though Hackworth has years of training and experience of working with victims of domestic violence and these programs, she said anyone can help. For example, DASAS is always looking for volunteers and donations. Donations can range from monetary to food items to paper products to baby items to cleaning supplies. For volunteer opportunities, Hackworth said that DASAS is currently in need of childcare and emergency response volunteers in Cass County.

However, Hackworth said that even if people do not have the time or money to volunteer with or donate to DASAS or other agencies, they can still help combat domestic violence.

“One thing that everyone can do is stand up and speak out about domestic violence and sexual assault,” Hackworth said. “Let people know that domestic violence does not belong in our community and we are not going to stand for that. That is something that each individual citizen can do.”

Standing up and speaking out can range from contacting lawmakers about legislation related to domestic violence to reporting domestic violence when it is seen, to simply reaching out and giving help to victims, Hackworth said.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz agreed that average citizens can contribute to the fight against domestic violence, saying that he believes people need to create a culture that does not accept domestic violence.

“We want to help victims and there is always more we can do,” Fitz said.

He added that, in the courtroom, he often sees domestic violence offenders who grew up with a domestic abuser as a parent, something Hackworth also sees in her line of work. Both Fitz and Hackworth said that working with men and women who have been exposed to domestic violence to understand that relationships do not have to be violent can be key to stopping generational domestic violence.

“To many offenders and victims, domestic violence is the norm, so they repeat the behavior,” Hackworth said. “They believe this is what love is. … So, if we provide services and show people a way out, it is not just changing the life of the victims, it is potentially changing the lives of their whole family.”

Hackworth said that she hopes every citizen will stand up to help eradicate domestic violence in southwest Michigan.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault is an epidemic that has been going on for years,” she said. “The only way to end this epidemic that is affecting women and children and the community at large is not only to provide advocacy for the victims, but educate the community, so that when we see it, we say something and help end it.”

To donate to DASAS, visit dasasmi.org or call (269) 279-5122. To donate directly, send donations to PO Box 402, Three Rivers, MI, 49093.

If you are involved in a situation of domestic or sexual abuse and need help, contact DASAS at its 24-hour hotline, 1 (800) 828-2032.