LETTERS: FIRST STEP IS TO REPORT VIOLENCE

To the editor:

We are writing in regard to the tragic loss of live June 15 of Kendra Bannister. The violence which transpired has brought about a renewed awareness to an existing epidemic. The Safe House for Women is a battered women and children shelter which offers free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence. Our mission is to provide immediate safety, assist with social services and referrals, legal advocacy and working with law enforcement agencies -- all needed to break the cycle of violence.

Please realize that physical, psychological and verbal abuse is continuing to occur every hour, every day in a woman's, child's or man's life. Safety is within reach. If you know someone who is being abused or if an act of abuse had not occurred but is questionable, please contact local law enforcement agencies or the Safe House for Women at 651-1614 or 1-800-341-1830.

It takes just one individual's involvement, support and encouragement to empower another to break the cycle of violence. Preparedness and awareness are the keys. We as a community hold the key to increase awareness, to educate, to prepare and to assist victims of violence. Each one of us deserves a safe, nonviolent environment. Safety should never be questioned. It should be a given.

DENA PEHLMAN, Shelter Director, BONNIE GERECKE, Legal Advocate, and PAULA HIGGINS, Executive Director

Safe House for Women

Cape Girardeau