CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, bringing attention to an issue that is still as prevalent today as it has ever been.
One in three women and one in four men in the country have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the CDC. 
Many organizations and individuals will use the month to raise awareness in West Virginia, such as Adrianne Nichols, a SART with Hope, Inc. working in four counties.
“We average about two deaths a month, domestic violence deaths, just in West Virginia,” she said. “I think a lot of people when they find out what our jobs are they say ‘Oh, well do you really get people?’ and I think if you saw how many people we get on a daily basis, you’d see that it really does affect a lot of people locally.”
Hope, Inc. offers a variety of confidential resources to those who may be in an abusive situation including shelter, food, clothing, professional counseling and support through a 24 hour hotline (304-367-1100).
Nichols said they realize there are a number of factors that are involved in domestic violence and they work to help in any way possible.
“Is it a financial thing that’s keeping them there? We can help try to help them figure that out. Is it a safety thing that’s keeping them there? We can help them figure that out because it’s not black and white, as far as leaving, and [it’s important for victims] just to know they have support and counseling.”
One of the most important things for anyone suffering from domestic violence is to know they have support. Nichols said everyone can help if they are approached by someone in an abusive situation by doing three simple things: listen, believe them and be supportive.
“A lot of times, our first reaction is to jump and say ‘You’ve got to leave. You’ve got to get out’ and unfortunately it’s not that simple,” said. “If it was that easy, nobody would ever end up being in one of these situations. So, I think it’s important to support them in their decisions and encourage them to seek help.”
More information about Hope, Inc., SARTs and other similar services around the state can be found by visiting fris.org.