October is domestic violence awareness month where we bring awareness to the plague of domestic violence in our communities. We want to ensure that victims are receiving the assistance that they need, that survivors are receiving the support that they need to ensure that we eliminate and reduce violence in our community. Domestic violence is not just someone putting their hands on you. Domestic violence involves a series of tactics, including sexual violence, financial abuse, manipulation, threats, and other harm. Children that witness intimate partner violence in their homes are two times more likely to become victims of violence themselves or to become perpetrators. You may not realize that you are experiencing it because it may seem that this is the way things are. But I have to let you know that love doesn't hurt. Love doesn't intimidate you. Love shouldn't make you feel scared, small, and afraid. There is help available to you. If you need assistance, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or you can reach out to our victim services unit, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, and other agencies that are here to provide the assistance that you need to live a life that is free from violence.