Domestic Violence Awareness Month : more survivors seeking help in Tennessee Valley

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which honors survivors and focuses on preventing abuse. People across the Tennessee Valley are sharing their stories in hopes of saving lives. In Marshall County, Kelly’s Rainbow provides emergency shelter, help with rent, protection orders, counseling and other basics to help survivors start over. The shelter is named for Kelly Rutledge, who was killed by her husband while trying to flee. Her case led to Kelly’s Law, which makes it a federal offense to kill someone under a protection order. Stephanie McTarsney, Assistant Executive Director, and Abby Humphries, Victim’s Advocate, with Kelly’s Rainbow said anyone can face abuse, but stigma makes it harder for victims to come forward. They said many survivors don’t realize they are being abused because it isn’t physical, noting financial, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse count too.