October is an important time of the year because it is the month that is designated for raising awareness about domestic violence. It is a time that we are reminded of the critical importance of addressing this stark and sobering problem that impacts far too many Oklahomans.

While we must work year-round to combat the evils of intimate partner violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us a chance to commit to helping survivors and holding abusers accountable, as well as thanking those who make a difference for victims.

This month, my office awarded the 17th annual Excellence in Action Against Domestic Violence Awards. We were pleased to recognize:

• James Green, Assistant District Attorney with the Haskell County District Attorney’s Office, with the Prosecutor Award;

• Jake Carey, investigator and deputy with the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, with our Law Enforcement Award; and

• Brittany Manes, lead transitional housing advocate for the Delaware Tribe of Indians Family Children Services, with the Victim Service Advocate Award.

Each of these individuals has gone above and beyond to assist victims of domestic violence and to increase awareness of the significant problem of domestic violence in Oklahoma communities. They are true champions who are making a daily impact by helping victims and their families.

As your Attorney General, I am committed to helping implement solutions and exploring every avenue to reduce domestic violence in our state.

The statistics are alarming: our state averages 115 domestic homicide victims per year. Even more troubling, Oklahoma has consistently ranked in the top 10 states for women murdered by men in single-victim/singleoffender incidents since 1996. Overall, it is estimated that 51.5 percent of Oklahoma women and 46 percent of men will experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.

In the face of these daunting numbers, many Oklahomans are committed to reversing these trends. The Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, housed in the Office of the Attorney General, continues to provide invaluable recommendations to improve our state’s domestic violence prevention and protection system. For example, the review board’s most recent annual report led to stronger Victim Protection Order and domestic assault and battery laws.

Our Victim Advocacy and Services Unit offers several crucial programs, including the SAFELINE 24/7 hotline, the Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy and the Partners for Change Annual Conference on domestic violence and sexual assault issues, all aimed at supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence.

This month, and throughout the year, I call on all Oklahomans to join us in the fight against domestic violence. f you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. Call our SAFELINE at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) for immediate assistance.

Together, we can create a safer Oklahoma— not just in words, but through action. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s turn awareness into lasting change.