The latest edition of the Alliance Advocator, the newsletter put out by Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women in Belle Plaine, included some facts about domestic violence. The newsletter attributed the following to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women:

- One of every three homeless women in Minnesota is homeless at least in part due to domestic violence.

- At least 20 women and 12 children were murdered in Minnesota in 2006 as a result of domestic violence.

- Domestic violence victims account for more then 25 percent of violent crime victims in Minnesota.

- More than 80 percent of victims of domestic violence in Minnesota did not report the incidents to law enforcement.

The alliance's newsletter also said that "silence is a batterer's best friend," and that really is true. If someone with whom you live is physically abusing you, stand up for yourself. Don't be afraid to call the police. They will help you.

The alliance will also be there to help you. For more information, call 952-873-4214, go to www.southernvalleyalliance.org or send an e-mail to svabw@worldnet.att.net.