Earlier this month, we wrote in this space about October being Domestic Violence Awareness month. It’s worth repeating again as we get closer to the end of this month.

On Tuesday night, Harmony House, a nonprofit that focuses on helping adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, held a candlelight vigil to remember those who are affected. Harmony House opened in October 2005 and received full certification from the Department of Human Services Domestic Violence unit in the fall of 2008.

The shelter can serve up to 14 residents from local and surrounding areas. Harmony House provides around the clock residential shelter and safety to female victims and children.

Many people hear the stats on domestic violence and believe that it doesn’t happen where they live, but it does. It happens in Troup County and LaGrange, just as it happens all over the country.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, close to 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States and one in three women and one in four men have been victims of some type of physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

So, how do you help?

One way is to donate to Harmony House. We’re sure the victims being cared for can always use clothes and other personal items. The fall is a great time to go through your house and get rid of unneeded items, such as unworn clothes, before Thanksgiving and Christmas roll around.

We’re sure those items would be put to good use at Harmony House. Of course, the easiest way to find out how to help is pick up the phone and call. Harmony House can be reached at (706) 882-4173 or at breakthecycle@harmonyhouse.org.