Domestic violence victimizes individuals, destroys relationships and poisons communities.
Although domestic violence solves nothing, it occurs every day in relationships and households throughout the nation.
A new initiative, "Missouri Men Say No More," was unveiled last week by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
The focus of the effort was summed up by coalition member Zachary Wilson, who told a Jefferson City audience: "For far too long this has been labeled as just a women's issue, when really it is something that affects us all.
"If we really want to see change in what is going on," he added, "then we all have to get involved and we all have to really step forward, stand out and let our voices be heard."
How do you get involved?
Wilson responded to that question when he encouraged people "to help educate and teach themselves about domestic violence and sexual assault" and to "influence others to join in the movement and make sure their communities are supportive of survivors."
People can do that by reporting crimes of domestic violence and sexual abuse and by supporting groups that provide shelter and support services, including the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service in Jefferson City.
In addition, Central Missourians are uniquely positioned near the state Capitol to advocate with lawmakers to prevent and eliminate the scourge of domestic and sexual violence.
The importance of legislation dovetails with the presentation of the initiative's first award to state Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, for his consistent efforts against domestic violence throughout his public service career.
We encourage everyone to join in advocating "no more" domestic violence and acting to prevent it.