Jackson Free Press

She could be anyone you know. She is white, African American, Latina, Asian or Native American. She might live in the Virden Addition, but then again, she could have a Belhaven or Madison address. Chances are high that she's a wife and mother. Perhaps she's your sister, your friend or the woman who works in the next office or cubicle.

She's educated and has a big, responsible job—or not. She could be a stay-at-home mom, or she might be scraping by on unemployment or the little bit of money her abuser decides is enough every day.

If you don't think you know her, you're wrong: Statistically, if you know four women, one of them is a victim of domestic violence. She might have been raped or physically assaulted by her husband. She may be verbally demeaned or threatened with violence every day, or her children might be. Her abuser may be telling her he'll hurt her kids, or take them away from her if she doesn't "behave."

One thing is certain: She lives in fear. The kind of fear that sends her stomach lurching into her throat when she hears his car pull up; the kind of fear that has her scanning his face and posture for signs that he's about to hit her, walking on eggshells because she never knows when she'll say or do the "wrong" thing.

It's the kind of fear that keeps her from leaving, because she knows if she's caught, he'll kill her.

Mississippi has the second-highest rate of domestic violence in the U.S., and that's saying a lot when you consider that this year could see 3 million incidents of violence in families across the country. The state has the fifth highest number of women murdered by men, according to the most recent information available.

You might be unaware of her name, but you do know her.

She could be you.

If you want to make a difference in her life, even a little bit, come and support the JFP Chick Ball events this weekend. All it takes is a little time and 5 bucks—and that's not very much at all.