On average, someone in Lynnwood is the victim of domestic abuse once every 17 hours, but a local car dealership is quietly helping to break the cycle.

Acura of Lynnwood is loaning a brand new 2010 Acura MDX to the Lynnwood Police Department. LPD’s Megan Sweeney says it will be a very valuable tool in their arsenal against domestic violence.

“It will be used to transport victims to court or to safe locations within the community. This will be another means for (us) to utilize community resources in our efforts to promote a coordinated community response to end domestic violence,” Sweeney said.

Acura of Lynnwood owner Jim Morino said the vehicle is painted with special domestic violence and crime prevention graphics.

“We see the result of how domestic violence negatively impacts families and the community, so we hope this helps in the education process for the public,” Morino said.

Giving back to the community is nothing new for Acura of Lynnwood. In a letter to Morino, Lynnwood Police Chief Steven Jensen said, “your contribution to our domestic violence prevention program has been ongoing for a good many years. Additionally, Acura of Lynnwood has assisted our efforts in narcotics enforcement through the provision of vehicles for our detectives.”