Melissa Conyears-Ervin: I was a victim of domestic violence. Other victims should know they aren’t alone.

City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin waves to spectators during a Labor Day parade in 2022. As a college student, she was attacked by her boyfriend. She is sharing her story to help other victims during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and offers us a reminder that anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion or age, can be affected by abuse.

While many correlate domestic violence to physical abuse, it also includes mental coercion. Over the last decade, our society has gained greater insight and understanding of the full scope of domestic abuse, leading to new programs and outreach centers that aid survivors in getting help and coming forward safely.