The rash of abuse by prominent professional football players in recent weeks has local advocacy groups pleased the issue has been brought to a national spotlight.

With the circumstances are not always pleasing to hear about, advocates of abused adults and kids are glad the issue is coming forward as a farther reaching topic. Megan Neville with DOVE of DeWitt County, a domestic violence non-profit group believes the NFL should be commended for creating harsher punishments for players who perpetrate domestic abuse.

[audio:101514abuselocal1.mp3] [/audio]

October being Domestic Violence Awareness month has become more than a coincidence given the amount of troubling cases plaguing one of the country's most popular forms of entertainment. Neville explains domestic violence is the number one under-reported crime.

[audio:101514abuselocal2.mp3] [/audio]

During the month of October, DOVE and other domestic violence groups are working to promote awareness about the issues. Neville explains domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women.

[audio:101514abuselocal3.mp3] [/audio]

Neville's specific focus at DOVE is to work with the kids who may be effected by domestic violence in some way or another. She's working to get a couple programs going in the schools and hopes to work with other groups around DeWitt County as well.

Regional Radio News will have more on domestic violence awareness month throughout October.