I think it is important for the Penn State community to be aware that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Domestic violence is a major problem in America partially because it is not a widely discussed issue, and the general public may not be educated about it. Domestic violence is something that could happen to any person regardless of their race, class or sexual preference. In my opinion, silencing victims by blaming them for the abuse and not leaving is one of the biggest and most problematic ways in which domestic violence is quietly accepted every day. Why don't we blame the batterer for abusing? Even if only one person was abused by their partner it would be one too many. It is our responsibility to protect those who are being battered everyday by their partners. If we stop accepting this behavior then maybe we can help to stop the problem.