 I am Byron Gibson, Fifth Circuit Solicitor. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is important that we turn our focus to domestic violence not only during the month of October but during every month of the year. Turning our focus to domestic violence is crucial because domestic violence affects mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers. It's crucial because domestic violence negatively impacts our children. When we see acts of domestic violence in the home, children are more likely to repeat those similar acts when they become adults. Last year, 36 women in South Carolina died as a result of domestic violence. Last year, 6 men in South Carolina died as a result of domestic violence. That means that 42 families' lives were irreparably changed by acts of domestic violence. As Fifth Circuit Solicitor, know that acts of domestic violence will be prosecuted. If you have been a victim of domestic violence or are currently in an abusive relationship, help is only a phone call away. The South Carolina Victims Assistance Network, Sister Care, Toby's Place, and even the Austin Wilkes Home are willing to help you. If you are a partner in a relationship and are experiencing anger, challenges with conflict resolution, reach out to the Midlands Fatherhood Coalition or the Domestic Abuse Center. We live in a wonderful community that is full of potential and full of opportunity. But we can only realize our fullest potential if we strengthen our family structure and eradicate the stain of domestic violence.