TYLER, Texas — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the East Texas Crisis Center is making sure to get the word out about how the nonprofit help victims.
Domestic violence and abuse is a sensitive topic for many people who sometimes too afraid to speak up. ETCC is one of the multiple nonprofits offering resources to those seeking to leave abusive relationships.
On the Tyler Public Library’s second floor is where visitors will find a display decorated in the color purple and full of resources for victims of domestic violence.
"We want survivors to feel safe to speak out and know that they're going to be believed and supported when they come seek out our services," said Jeremy Flowers, director of marketing and public relations at ETCC. "We try to avoid any type of blame."
Flowers said last year alone they helped up to 821 adults and as of this year they've assisted 759 adults. He said domestic violence in East Texas is real and the crisis center is here to help anyone who’s seeking a solution or some help.
"They can reach out to us anytime at our 24-hour hotline and come in and seek out counseling," Flowers said. "We provide counseling for survivors of domestic violence and we also provide advocacy."
On Monday evening, Flowers and other organizers hosted a public seminar at the library for anyone wanting to learn more about relationships and red flags of abuse. No one was in attendance but Flowers said it speaks words on why raising awareness and speaking about this topic is very important.
"This just gives us an opportunity to educate the community on the services that are provided to them and also the dynamics of abuse and what that looks like because oftentimes people can be in an abusive relationship and they don't even know it," Flowers said.
The ETCC said they don’t just focus on women seeking help, but also on men seeking help because abuse can come from both sides of a relationship.
"There is a stigma against men speaking out," Flowers said. "We can provide counseling to them and we can provide other resources to them that they may need."
If you're currently experiencing domestic violence and are in need in help in Smith, Henderson, Rains, Wood or Van Zandt countie, call the East Texas Crisis Center's 24/7 hotline at 800-333-0358.