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? ”
She said that moment helped her understand why women don’t always come forward. In Huntsville, Amanda Fulcher, Founder and President of the Rocket City Starlets, started the group to help women find their sparkle again. Fulcher said she experienced abuse in a past relationship, but was able to leave with her children and start fresh. She said she later obtained a restraining order after her alleged abuser threatened to kill her. She said even 22 years later, she still carries fear and had to relearn who she was outside of that relationship. Fulcher said she was inspired to start the Rocket City Starlets in honor of her grandmother, who started fresh in New Orleans with parades and celebrations after leaving an abusive marriage. The Rocket City Starlets dress in costume, march in parades and hand out flowers, which she said helps women rebuild confidence.