Family violence is a national concern. Its effects are felt by people of all ages, races and economic levels.

To increase awareness and publicize the national effort against domestic violence, the U.S. Postal Service will issue a new fund-raising 45-cent semi-postal stamp for release Oct. 11. A semi-postal is a stamp with added value to the first class rate (37 cents) with the increase going to a charitable cause.

According to the Postal Service, the funds raised from the sale of this stamp will be transferred to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for domestic violence programs. The programs were authorized by provisions of the Stamp Out Domestic Violence Act of 2001 passed by the 107th Congress.

The new Stop Family Violence stamp is the third in the series of semi-postals issued by the USPS. In 2001 the Breast Cancer Research and the Heroes of 2001 were the first in the series of semi-postals.

The semi-postals are available (at the 45 cent rate) at post offices throughout the country by calling toll free (800) STAMP-24 and online at the Postal Store www.usps.com/shop.