As the month of October winds down, advocates for those in the middle of domestic abuse have been busy this month raising awareness of the issue.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner has been an outspoken advocate for domestic abuse since he came into office and explains it is a big problem locally. He says when he was first elected, it was something he wanted to focus on in hopes to begin to remedy.

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Locally, the Sheriff says DeWitt County is very fortunate to have a number of people and groups that are there for victims of domestic violence. Sheriff Shofner sits on the Board of Directors for DOVE of DeWitt County and touts the work they do and also those within his office who advocate for victims as well.

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The most common theme among domestic violence victims advocates of all groups say is many victims believe they are alone in their struggles. The Sheriff emphasizes there are plenty of ways to get help and even connect with people experiencing the same struggles.

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According to the Sheriff, indicators a relationship that could turn very violent are being choked or sexual assault. Sheriff Shofner explains because many victims may have grown up where violent acts towards women and children were considered normal, victims many times don't realize what is going is not normal behavior.