October has been Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence continues to occur, affecting the lives of countless children, women and men who suffer in silence. The month brings awareness to those most affected.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from a single day, the "Day of Unity," which was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October 1981. The mission of "Day of Unity" was to bring awareness to the secret and violent lives that countless women, men and children in the U.S. live. Exactly 34 years later, domestic violence is still a dangerous problem in the U.S., affecting nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the U.S. who've suffered severe physical violence at the hands of intimate partner.

Within the U.S. Latino community, there are unique concerns facing many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Fear of deportation, worries about children being removed and/or the threat of more violence or sexual assault keeps many Latinos silent. A 2014 Allstate Foundation survey found that 64 percent of Latinas personally know a victim of some type of abuse and 30 percent have been personally victimized. U.S. Latinos are twice as likely to see domestic violence as a serious problem affecting people in their lives, and Latino families are more likely to discuss domestic violence with their children. Nearly 70 percent of Latinas with children 16 and older have talked to their children about domestic violence.

According to a report produced by No Más, at least 41 percent of respondents believe the main reason Latino immigrant victims don't seek help is because they fear deportation. That report also found that 56 percent of Latinos know a domestic violence victim, and one in four people know a victim of sexual assault.

"Domestic violence happens to all types of people, individuals of various sexual orientation or religion, and it can take many forms. It can take physical form ...it could be sexual, verbal or emotional or financial," Dr. Elizabeth Duenas told Latin Post. "Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men will be victims of intimate violence at some point in their lives, and it's the statistics show that 5 to14 percent of women are currently in abusive relationships."

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women enduring intimate partner violence have an increased risk of HIV infection through increased sexual risk-taking behavior, forced sex with an infected partner and compromised ability to negotiate safer sex practices. For women living with HIV, life abuse, depression and trauma, it's difficult for them to keep up with HIV medications and self-care. Moreover, sharing their HIV status could lead to increased abuse or violence. Coinciding with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Greater Than AIDS launched "Empowered: Women, HIV and Intimate Partner Violence" to offer resources to women who may be living with HIV and abuse. However, whether or not an abuse victim has HIV, he or she can still suffer from long-term effects of abuse.

"Domestic violence definitely affects a person's health, and it can be from body, to mind or spirit," said Dr. Duenas. "For example, abused women have 60 percent higher rates of neurological, gynecological and stress related problems, compared to women who have never been abused. Some of these problems, they can range widely, whether physical or mental...including, depression, anxiety, chronic headaches, chronic abdominal pain or chronic pain in general can be symptoms. They can be a manifestation of an underlying abuse problem."

Dr. Duenas explained one of the biggest misconceptions about domestic violence is that it's normal behavior. However, it's important not to ignore that behavior or try to make excuses for it. A violent home life normalizes violence to the point that many men, women and children who grow up in abusive homes often become perpetrators of violence or victims later in their adulthood.

"Domestic violence is very common, but it's not right. There's no excuse for domestic violence," said the doctor. "There is help, and one of the more important things is finding out who you can talk to and how you can get the help that you need. Talk with someone you trust, whether it's a friend of a family member ... or your doctor or a health center. There are many local advocacy groups that can help support women, children, men who are in abusive relationships. For example, the national domestic violence hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year ... and they speak in English, Spanish and other languages. Also, know what your legal rights are. The most important thing is ensuring safety first."

Survivors and victims should not feel that they're alone. They can find help through domestic violence hotlines and women shelters. Planned Parenthood and similar organizations are dedicated to helping to remove the stigma and shame that many women in abusive relationships experience, and they're committed to connecting women, men and children to life-saving resources. HopeLine, an initiative launched by Verizon Wireless, provides ways for take action against domestic violence by providing phones to support victims and survivors.

Since its inception in October 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 11.4 million phones nationwide, provided 29 million in cash grants to domestic violence organizations and 190,000 phones were donated to domestic violence survivors and victims. HopeLine also collects wireless phones, batteries, chargers and accessories. These separate programs are committed to helping millions of women, men and children, providing education, empowerment and resources so they can rebuild their lives and succeed.

Domestic abuse victims are advised to create a safety net, talk to a trusted friends or family, keep a set of car keys and money stashed in safe place that can be quickly retrieved, create a safety net, keep important papers (birth certificates, photo ID, bank book) in a secure place, and access local resources through National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has counselors who speak English, Spanish and other languages. For help, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), toll-free, 24 hours a day.

According to Dr. Duenas, depression, anxiety and chronic pain complaints are signs to look out for when suspecting that someone is a victim of domestic violence. Doctors must always keep it in mind that something may be going on at home, such as an abusive relationship, particularly if there's frequent bruising. Inquire asking open-ended questions, such as "How are you doing?" "How's everything at home?" -- this may lead to a conversation.

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