October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Carbon County.

During the countycommissioners' meeting on Thursday, the board adopted a proclamation in honor of raising awareness about domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious problem all over the world and the Domestic Violence Service Center has worked diligently to offer support and help to women who have been victims of abuse.The proclamation recognizes the Domestic Violence Service Center, which began as the Women Center task force in 1977.In June 1978, the task force was incorporated as the Domestic Violence Service Center, which serves Carbon County today. Since then, the purpose of the Domestic Violence Service Center has been to work toward the elimination of domestic violence.Devon Fritz, Carbon County counselor of the Domestic Violence Service Center, thanked the commissioners for their continued support of the agency.She explained that the center's services include providing legal advocacy to victims of domestic violence, including court accompaniment to PFA hearings, community support groups, one-on-one counseling and more. All services are free and confidential.The commissioners commended Fritz and the center for all they do for the men and women in the area who experience domestic violence against them"We wanted to make the public aware that there is help out there," Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard said. "No one should have to live like that and we're grateful for the center."Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence and physical, mental and emotional abuse can call the center's 24-hour hot line at 1-800-424-5600.In other matters, Commissioner Wayne Nothstein, chairman, announced that Banks Township has paid its annual assessment for the animal shelter, leaving only Mahoning Township, who has not paid for the services.He also thanked Blue Mountain Health System, who partnered with the county to provide flu shots to employees at no cost to the county. A total of 150 employees took advantage of the offer.