Turning Point: Creating Awareness, Support Around Issues Of Domestic Violence
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - The month of October is dedicated to creating awareness surrounding the issues of domestic violence.
While incidents like the NFL's Ray Rice elevator video beams a spotlight on the subject for short bursts - many organizations are working year- round to support victims.
Suzanne Coats is CEO of Turning Point, a domestic violence, sexual assault center in Mt. Clemens.
"We want to raise awareness on the resources that are available and that domestic violence is preventable and we need to be, as communities, putting resources toward prevention," said Coats.
She says the issue is real and domestic violence costs lives and futures.
"Some woman are disabled from the attack or they are so emotionally scarred - it's really, really hard for them to start anew. So there are long-term consequences to domestic violence," she said.
Coats, who was a sexual assault victim, has been in the forefront of education and prevention efforts surrounding these issues for the last 20 years.
She wants victims to know that they are not alone, and that there is help out there.
If you or someone you know is being victimized by abuse - find helpful information [here].