To think that one in four women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime is a staggering statistic. Even more so that three women every day are murdered in the United States by their husbands or boyfriends.

Some of those crimes likely could have been prevented if the victims felt safe turning to an agency that is dedicated to eradicating home violence and ending the cycle of abuse.

The Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force is committed to doing just that — providing a safe haven for abused women, and men, and shinning a light on domestic violence in the community.

Purple balloons were released into the air Monday in remembrance of those who lost their lives to domestic violence. This was the fifth year for the event, which coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Elaine Payne, director of the task force and the domestic violence shelter, said there has been a rise in the number of protection orders sought from people who have been victims of domestic violence.

And even though that number is on the rise, it shows that the victims are taking the first step to getting themselves out of a dangerous situation.

But as many instances of domestic violence that are reported, there are many more that remain hidden. Those need to be brought to light.

No one, a woman or a man, should feel unsafe in his or her own home. And everyone has the right to report abuse to the police or seek help from the domestic violence shelter.

The task force should be commended for its work to ensure victims have somewhere to turn to when abused.

It is everyone’s responsibility to report abuse, not just the victim.

It just may save a life.