October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and central Illinois advocates are reminding communities of the warning signs of domestic violence.

Domestic violence can take on many forms and Jennifer Tolladay and Andrea Kocher with DOVE, Inc. indicate it is an issue that knows no bounds. Tolladay says abuse can be physical but it often starts subtly through emotional and mental abuse.

According to Kocher, because most abuse starts as emotional or mental, that is typically the most common form of abuse. She also points out most women will not even realize they are being abused because there is no physical abuse.

Abusers will gradually start putting their names on the things that belong to the victim, leaving them feeling powerless. Kocher says it can sometimes go as far as putting their name on a child that isn't theirs.

Next week on Regional Radio, Tolladay will offer some data on local domestic violence and highlights a revamped candlelight vigil ceremony happening in Macon County next week.