FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — October is domestic violence awareness month, a time to acknowledge the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.

It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the tools and resources available to prevent abuse and support victims.

In Kentucky, 34% of women and 14% of men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking with an intimate partner violence-related impact in their lifetimes.

Advocates and survivors gathered at the capital to watch the governor sign a proclamation declaring October as domestic violence awareness month in Kentucky.

“We need to listen to survivors by holding abusers accountable. We can give them an opportunity to develop healthy problem-solving skills, a chance to make amends, and the support they need to grow and live healthier lives,” Andrea Robinson, executive director of OASIS, said.

A short ceremony was held in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives to domestic violence, allowing those in attendance to keep their memories alive.

The governor, along with domestic violence organizations, said the ultimate goal is to stop adding victims to the list of those being remembered.