Remember My Name

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence./// october is designated as domestic violence awareness month.

Each year ?

"* the names of victims of domestic violence are read aloud to mark this day.

Kimt news 3's alex jirgens was at today's 'remember my name' event... and joins us live now.

Alex?xxx the tree here at the mason city public library has over 300 names of those who lost their lives to domestic violence in iowa since 19?

"* 9.

And though this year's event was held virtually ?

"* it still sent a message of hope ?

"* and that there is still work to be done.xxx "1996.

8 women, 3 men, 3 children, 2 bystanders."

"shot to death in hampton by her on again, off again husband of 11 years" it's emotional to hear the stories of how men ?

"* womn ?

"* even children ?

"* died at hands of abusers.

"you look at one ribbon on the tree ?

"* and for every one ribbon on the tree ?

"* there are probably anywhere from 20 50 lives changed forever.

Friends, coworkers, moms and dads, who have lost a loved one through the most violent way possible."

This year's event was streamed via facebook.

Typically ?

"* there would be families gathered here to add more names to the tree each year ?

"* connected by the realities they're living with.

"they understand this in a way to hopefully very few people will ever have to understand."

In the fight against domestic violence ?

"* it takes a community to be watchful ?

"* ad look for the signs.

"to look to our friends our neighbors to look for victims and families in distress and simply are on hard times."

And while it is important to remember those who have lost their lives?

"* the hope is to eradicate domestic violence.

During today's closing speech ?

"* cerro gordo county assistat attorney andrew olson shared a few things that people can do to stop domestic violence.

Those include looking for those who may be suffering from substance abuse and mental health ?

"* and being a true friend and being there for them ?

"* and not be afraid to speak up.

Live in mason city?

"* alex jirgens ?

"* kimt 3./// thank you alex.

If you or someone you know needs help ?

*- you can contact the crisis intervention service 24?

"*hour hotline.

That number