October is all about pumpkins, leaves changing color and Halloween. But there's something else that is important about this month -- it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This month helps us remember to continue talking about domestic violence and other forms of domestic abuse. Staying silent helps abusers to continue to abuse. Talking helps friends and family learn about the signs of abuse and helps survivors know where and how to get help.

"Heal, Hold and Center" is the theme for this year's awareness month, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "As we work to end domestic violence this (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) and beyond, we must embrace the many ways we can heal from violence, hold space for survivors and center those most marginalized," states thehotline.org.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched in 1987 as a way to help victims get help and support, bring awareness to the issue and hold abusers accountable. While domestic violence is one focus of the month, it is important to remember that there are other types of domestic abuse besides physical violence.

Types of abuse include physical, sexual, financial, technological, spiritual, stalking, psychological and emotional, according to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. A victim may not realize abuse is occurring because we so often think of abuse as physical hitting, punching, kicking, etc. But verbal and emotional abuse can have both short-term and long-lasting effects that are just as serious as the effects of physical abuse. Verbal abuse is also often a sign that physical abuse may follow.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, someone may be in a verbally or emotionally abusive relationship if a partner attempts to exert control by calling them names; refusing to trust them; isolating them from friends and family; damaging their belongings; or humiliating, threatening, insulting or constantly criticizing them.

That sign of one partner trying to exert more power or control in the relationship is a key indicator that friends and family members can often see. Another common sign is isolation, which is manifested through methods such as trying to keep one partner away from family members and friends, controlling finances and controlling actions, such as where to go and who they can interact with.

Asking for help for oneself is not always easy. There are many barriers preventing victims of domestic violence from leaving their partners or seeking help. Because abusers often repeatedly try to maintain power and control over their partner, victims are left feeling powerless or dependent on their abuser and afraid that they can't survive on their own.

Some victims feel like they don't have the financial or physical means to live on their own or may feel like they will not have the support of friends or family if they try to leave. In fact, it is estimated that it will take someone an average of seven attempts before they are able to permanently leave an abusive relationship.

Fortunately, there is hope and help for anyone facing domestic abuse. There are many resources that can help remove some of those barriers and help individuals find safety and healing.

Many domestic violence help websites have a fast exit tab that can be clicked to get off of the page immediately in case a violent partner is about to see the computer. Help is available 24 hours a day at The Refuge Utah's domestic violence hotline (801-377-5500). This hotline can be used by victims or by loved ones who want to know how to help.

For those of you out there who are being abused, whether it be verbal, physical, sexual, economic or other controlling behaviors, there is help. Please don't think that because you may not have visible bruises, you can't ask for help.

If you see this happening to a friend, neighbor, family member or anyone you know or encounter, offer a listening ear, believe, share resources and provide support. We can all help by not looking the other way. We can all help by taking abuse seriously -- no matter what form it is in. Keep the conversation going, even past the month of October.