The fall season has quickly approached us, which means leaves, bonfires, pumpkins and Halloween. All of these start happening in October, which also happens to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In October 1987, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was first observed. Shortly after in 1989, legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress, and every year since then, to help provide key leadership in the effort to stop domestic violence.

The YWCA of the Sauk Valley’s Domestic Violence Program served more than 700 victims of violence in 2011. We are always appreciative of any items donated by our community, specifically old or used cellphones. Many advances in cellphone technology have taken place this year, and it will only continue.