Responding to a report of domestic violence in Adams Township last Wednesday, Houghton County sheriff’s deputies ended up making a drug bust for possession of crystal meth.

The downward spiral of drug use, verbal and physical altercations and repeated arrests poses a serious threat to victims of domestic violence, which can sometimes result in extreme violence, despite interventions by law enforcement.

Escaping the spiral is not easy because of the false sense of security that occurs after the stages of tension – when the potential for violence grows to a breaking point – and crisis – when violence occurs and the victim feels isolated, immobilized and scared.

But even when the calm stage follows, the threat remains and actually grows just under the surface of the relationship, and the three stages play out again, with the violence and stress escalating in intensity and frequency.

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) offers education, programs and activities to raise awareness to break the spiral of domestic violence.

The NCADV’s “Take a Stand” campaign is intended to remind people there are still countless victims and survivors – and also their children, families, friends and communities – impacted by domestic violence.

Victims need to know there is help available to break out of the spiral, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

A Daily Mining Gazette editorial