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. Kelly’s Rainbow has done 400-plus protection orders this year, which they said is because more people are hearing about services and getting help. “I call it the dirty little secret,” McTarsney said. “Nobody wants to believe that it’s as rampant as it is. You don’t have to live like this. There is help. We’re going to get you to where you don’t have to live in fear. ”
Humphries said fear keeps many victims from leaving. “Their biggest fear is losing their children when they leave,” said Humphries. Leaders said connecting victims to resources where they can share their stories has helped them heal over time. McTarsney is a survivor herself. She said she was assaulted as a teenager and credits that experience for why she does this work, to make sure victims walk out as survivors. She said police asked her, “Are you sure you want to do this?