Promoting “Break the Silence” are, from left, in front, Cheryl O’Neil, Marti Swisher, Heather Strauss and Donna Fayas-Johnson, all of Caring House; Elizabeth Alquist, Iron Mountain Police Department; Dickinson County Sheriff Scott Rutter; Mellisa Lanto and Tara Trudgeon of Caring House; Connie Larson, Dickinson County prosecutor’s office; and Ed Mattson, Iron Mountain Police and Fire Services director. In back are Dickinson County Prosecutor Lisa Richards; Kristen Kass, Dickinson County prosecutor’s office; Michigan State Police Trooper Geno Basanese; and Sgt. Brandon Rutter, Kingsford Public Safety.

IRON MOUNTAIN – Domestic violence thrives when it is hidden.

Join the community in a “Break the Silence” procession Tuesday.

“We hope the ‘Break the Silence — End the Violence’ event will assist the community to better understand the extent of this epidemic — and the life and death consequences of domestic violence,” said Cheryl O’Neil, Caring House executive director.

Each year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence conducts a national one-day survey of the nation’s domestic violence programs. This year’s report reflects that each day three women died due to domestic violence.

The NNEDV Report reflects that in Michigan, during one day:

— 2,550 victims were served.

— 1,694 victims sought refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

— 856 adults and children received non-residential assistance.

— 562 hotline calls were answered.

The Dickinson County community is no exception. Caring House provides:

— Services to more than 500 individuals annually.

— Assistance to 1,400 crisis calls.

— Nearly 2,000 bed nights.

The reality is that domestic violence is on the increase.

Meanwhile, Caring House, along with other programs from across the nation, has experienced a decrease in grant revenue and donations and is faced with funding cuts across the board.

Demonstrate your support to break the silence of domestic violence by participating in the “Break the Silence — End the Violence” procession Tuesday. It will begin at the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department at 12:15 p.m., and end at Caring House, where refreshments will be served.

“Please join us and make a statement that our community is breaking the silence of domestic violence,” O’Neil said.