October is Domestic Violence awareness month. According to the Lafayette Police Department, domestic violence is still an epidemic. Statistics say that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. According to the Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office, a typical violent abuser has a cycle that they go through to make the victim stay with them making it difficult for victims to leave their abuser. It starts with abuse, then guilt, then excuses to rationalize their actions, they’ll try to change or convince their partner they have changed, and create a honeymoon phase of a relationship to fool their partner, but then begin to create a situation that will allow them to justify their abuse. Domestic violence can often result in domestic battery,assault, criminal threats and even child abuse. when someone is being physically abused they may have frequent injuries with the excuse of accidents or dress in clothing that hides bruises or scars. If you think someone is being abused do not address the abuser, instead call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or call the coal police. The victim can always et a restraining order at the Sedgwick County court house in downtown Wichita.