Each year between one and three million US women are victims of domestic violence. Women and children pay a terrible price for domestic violence. Annually, our Nassau County Police Department responds to more than 12,000 domestic incidents and the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence logs over 7,000 calls for help.

On Oct. 12, I will join with several organizations including Men Against Violence Against Women (MAVAW), the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, our Nassau Police Department, Hofstra University, the National Council of Jewish Women and Hempstead Police to launch our annual White Ribbon Campaign as a prelude to Domestic Violence Awareness Week, Oct. 18-25.

We will place ceremonial white ribbons on a tree located in front of the Nassau County Court Building at 262 Old Country Road in Mineola, to raise the level of public awareness with regard to domestic violence.

The White Ribbon Campaign began as a grassroots campaign to heighten the public's awareness of the need to combat violence against women. During this week, men and women are encouraged to wear white ribbons to signify their support to eradicate violence against women. This campaign also informs residents about what actions can be taken to eliminate domestic violence including:

* Examining attitudes about women

* Challenging those who use sexist jokes that degrade women

* Speaking out to oppose sexual harassment and abuse in society

* Eliminating abusive behavior, such as controlling attitudes and actions, unwarranted criticism, derogatory remarks and physical force.

Bert Napear, MAVAW founder and co-chairperson, recently shared with me this thought: whenever survivors of domestic violence have sat in an audience where he has lectured on the subject, they have told him that knowing that just one man cares has made a difference in their lives. It has also motivated him to keep moving forward in the struggle to eliminate violence against women.

Sandy Oliva, our hardworking executive director of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and her staff has continued to make a difference in the lives of families through their support and I salute them. As Sandy has said: "Men taking responsibility for their own behavior is the only solution to the problem."

I'd also like to take a moment to recognize Deputy County Attorney Lois Weinstein, who serves as chairwoman of the Nassau County Family Violence Task Force, a task force that I created to help address these important issues that impact upon so many families.

If you are interested in a white lapel ribbon in honor of domestic violence survivors to call attention to your belief in ending violence against women, please call my office at 571-6000. I'll be honored to forward a ribbon to you.