Our newspaper runs photos and stories about weddings. We see the couples smiling for the camera, smiles that radiate the love they are feeling for one another and the expectation that they'll have a wonderful life ahead of them.

Our newspaper, especially this past week, has also run stories of marriages that have gone horribly wrong -- to the point that people have died and surviving family and friends are shattered forever.

How does it come to this point?

Is it yet more fallout from lives that are stressed by long hours at work, complicated by a long commute? Of having to juggle childcare duties, all while caring for aging parents? Of facing a foreclosure on your house and other money worries? Does it rest with a spouse who has a wondering eye, or one that imagines infidelity that isn't there?

It's not enough to turn the newspaper page or scroll down on your computer to the next story. The community needs to get behind efforts to prevent domestic violence before it becomes the next headline.

Domestic violence can occur no matter what the income, race or education level. Generally involving a spouse or partner, domestic violence can also involve abuse against a parent, child or other family member. It can be physical abuse, but emotional damage also can be inflicted, resulting in the victim being depressed, anxious or socially isolated. According to the statistics takers, domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to females between 15 and 44.

Our community has organizations such as Heartly House, a shelter for battered women and their children, as well as Hope Alive, which serves homeless women and children --some of whom may have been victims of domestic abuse. There is also Families Plus!, offering workshops and classes on parenting skills, anger management and other topics that can contribute to a more harmonious household. Our places of worship also provide balm for the souls of many troubled people.

Resources clearly are there, but sometimes before people make that step to get help, they first feel the need to talk, whether to a family member, co-worker or someone they chance to meet. Are we receptive to listening to another person's problem, or do we just change the subject?

In addition to the wedding pictures we run in our paper, there are also photos of gray-haired couples celebrating 50 or even 60 years of marriage. Makes you wonder what kind of advice they might have.