EAST PALESTINE — The scourge of domestic violence knows no boundaries. Its victims come from every economic and ethnic background — and every biological makeup. The hurt and humiliation of family and intimate partner violence can, and often does, cross gender lines.

The Artisans against Domestic Violence will shine a light on the often misunderstood and misrepresented male victims of domestic violence. The theme of its 7th-annual art exhibit is “Men: It happens to us too!”

“We do the art show every year to raise awareness of domestic violence. We do a little bit of fundraising and outreach but the primary goal is to raise awareness,” said Daryl Hersh of Ozer Ministries. “Every year, we have a theme and this year we want to bring awareness to the men who are domestic violence victims and survivors because it does happen to men too, and often they are the forgotten victims.”

The statistics when it comes to male domestic violences are grim and startling. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that while 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence and finds that 1 in 4 men also do.

“Men represent a large number of domestic violence victims,” Ozer added. “Boys observe domestic violence as children and it skews relationships later in life. They experience it as victims in their childhood and some grow up to become abusers or be controlling themselves because that is what they saw in their own homes. Unfortunately, it can be a cycle.”

Ozer ministries – a non-profit counseling organization — and the Columbiana County Ohio Department of Job & Family Services fund the annual project which will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at the East Palestine Country Club on Aug. 26. Submissions for the show are being accepted through Aug. 15. All local artists and residents are encouraged to submit works of art which can include paintings, conceptual art, mixed media, photography, sculptures, make-up artistry and in other art forms. All entries will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places. Photos of submissions can be sent to artisiansagainstdv@yahoo.com.

“The exhibit is open to all area artists. We encourage anyone who wants to express themselves and raise awareness to submit work,” Hersh said. “It’s also a wonderful way to work through the healing process. Art, whatever the medium, can be a wonderful outlet during recovery.”

It was through her work with abuse victims and outreach that Hersh first came up with the idea of an art exhibit.

“I understand the healing process and I encourage creative outlets during it. I really encourage people who have suffered abuse to journal but some people don’t write, they draw. And other people don’t draw, they paint or sculpt,” Hersh said. “I believe that creative expression is an important step in recovery. The art exhibit grew from that belief.”

Hersh has made helping people navigate the turbulent waters of recovery her life’s work. She has seen ugly things but she also seen the absolute beauty of betterment.

“I love what I do,” she said. “I love investing in individuals. I love seeing people get better and be better. It’s hard to change but it’s also entirely possible. Recovery is hard, but it is also wonderful.”