Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten.

But while most victims of domestic violence are women between the ages of 18 and 24, women aren’t the only victims of domestic violence.

It is estimated more than 10 million women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year.

Children also are affected. Ninety percent of the children exposed to this violence are eyewitnesses.

The impacts are not only physical, but also mental and economic.

These startling statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence are the reason board members of Bethesda House have chosen Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness and hopefully, funds. The group plans a Bethesda House BOO-gie Dance A Thon on Halloween.

Bethesda House is a 501 (c)(3) organization that offers help to those who seek to escape domestic violence. The group plans to reopen the domestic violence shelter formerly known as Opportunity House.

“Our Board thought October would be a great time to do a fund-raiser for Bethesda House, because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said board member Cindy Howard. “So, a Halloween event was an obvious choice.

“We are especially hoping that members of school clubs and church youth groups will come for a fun afternoon to help raise funds for a something that unfortunately affects so many families.”

The Dance A Thon is set for noon until 5 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 31. Registration begins at 10 a.m. on the campus of LBWCC in Opp. Dancers may participate as individuals or as members of a team. Each dancer must pay a registration fee and is encouraged to raise additional money with a pledge sheet, although that is not required. Entry is is $15 per person for adults and $10 for students. There also is a $5 fee to enter the costume contest.

Registration packets are available at Andalusia Regional Hospital, the Opp Police Station, or can be downloaded from The Star-News’ web site.

Registration Packets must be submitted by Oct 16 to guarantee a t-shirt.