October is domestic violence awareness month

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – October is domestic violence awareness month, and local non-profits are reminding the public of their resources.

“Domestic violence awareness month recognizes that domestic violence happens. It happens every day. It happens in your home potentially, in the home next to you, in your neighbors down the street” said Tori Henninger, executive director of the Barren River Area Safe Space.

Henninger says couples fight and argue, but abuse is different than a disagreement.

“Abuse occurs when one individual chooses to wield power and control over the other person,” said Henninger.

In Kentucky, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

And making matters worse, COVID-19 is leading to more violent domestic abuse.

“The important thing about abuse and power and control is that it’s rooted in the abuser. A victim has done nothing to be abused,” said Henninger.

October is a month set aside to honor domestic violence survivors, remember those who were killed in domestic violence, and to help those currently suffering.

“It can happen to anyone. It is truly a crime that has no precursors and for the people that it impacts, it’s life-altering,” said Henninger.

Another startling statistic, according to the NCADV, one in nine women in the Commonwealth is a victim of forcible rape.

Rape can occur within marriage too and is a form of domestic violence, according to Melissa Whitley, the executive director of Hope Harbor.

“Sexual violence is a power and control issue and that’s what its all about, that’s what sexual violence is all about as well as what domestic violence is. It’s a way to control your partner as well as the relationships that you are in,” said Whitley.

That control can come in many different forms such as financial, emotional or physical abuse.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, contact the Barren River Area Safe Space crisis line at 270-843-1183.