A common crime that often goes unreported is being recognized this month. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Safe Passage Director Pam Wiseman said, “Domestic violence is really still a hidden crime. According to FBI uniform crime reports it is the most common but most unreported crime.”

Safe Passage is an agency for victims of domestic violence of any sex or race.

Wiseman said the reason domestic violence goes unreported is because people who are in violent relationships are ashamed to come forward.

“They see it as being a private matter and don’t want everyone to know about it,” she said. “This makes them reluctant to talk about it. But, they shouldn’t be because it is such a common crime.”

Safe Passage has been going out and speaking to a variety of groups this month, Wiseman said. She said the organization is willing to speak to any group of any size free of charge.

Wiseman said she wants NIU students “to be aware that domestic violence doesn’t just apply to married couples or couples living together.”

“It can happen while you’re dating someone,” she said.

This year dating violence was included in the state domestic law, Wiseman said.

Larry Bolles, director of the University Judicial Office, said dating violence isn’t a problem his office recognizes once a year because it is an ongoing problem.

Bolles said his office is doing programs on dating violence in the residence halls this month. Programs also have been scheduled for greek organizations. However, these programs are held year-round, Bolles said.

He said last year’s complaints dealing with dating violence compared to this year’s complaints have been “quiet so far.”

“But, the year is still young,” he added.

Bolles said when the Judicial Office meets with a couple that has been fighting, the couple is referred to the Counseling and Student Development Center. However, Bolles said some offenders have been suspended, expelled or placed on university disciplinary probation.