KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, meant to highlight survivors and to highlight ways people can spot domestic violence, so that they may be able to intervene and put an end to abuse.
The McNabb Center said it can take a survivor seven times to permanently leave their abuser — seven cycles where someone might leave their abuser and later return.
"The cycle of abuse is very powerful," said Catherine Oaks, Director of Victim Services at Helen Ross McNabb Center. "For someone who is stuck in that cycle, they are looking for that next moment of happiness. So, it's like that honeymoon phase."
Cycles of abuse can continue for years, with relapses possible. Physical violence can be accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and it can leave survivors with physical injuries or psychological trauma.
"It's not uncommon for us at all to see someone return to an abuser," said Oaks.
The McNabb Center said it responds to more than 1,200 calls about domestic violence every year in Knoxville. The average survivor is around 30 years old and faces physical or financial abuse. Their abusers are also usually spouses or significant others.
The center said it has helped more than 200 people find shelter away from abusers.
"The majority of cases that we see in calls that we get are related to intimate partner violence," said Oaks.
Abusers can also be parents, spouses or even roommates. The McNabb Center said financial abuse is also one of the more common kinds of abuse they see.
"It could be putting credit cards in the victim's name and racking up debt," said Oaks. "Or not allowing them to work or make their own money, not allowing them to have access to financial accounts."
Domestic violence can involve people of any socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality or age. Teenagers can face domestic violence in relationships too.
"Especially with teenagers, you're looking at some of those controlling-type behaviors. So, kind of monopolizing their time and wanting to spend all their time together," said Oaks.
The McNabb Center offers a 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis hotline at 865-637-8000. Anyone who faces domestic violence of any kind can reach out to that number for help.