October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local advocacy organizations across the country are taking the opportunity to spread awareness of this topic.

Often swept under the rug because of the sensitive nature of the topic, October highlights the battles of those who have survived dangerous situations and recognizes those who have not. Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and indicates this year's theme gives a voice to everyone in a situation of abuse.

According to Kocher, domestic violence is more than physical abuse in relationships. There is emotional, financial, and verbal abuse.

Part of Domestic Violence Awareness month is addressing stigmas around the topic, and one of those is the victim should just leave the relationship, but Kocher says, while that makes sense, it is often much, much more complicated than that.

Children often play a crucial role in a victim remaining in a relationship for fear of what would happen to their children or uprooting them. Kocher says it can be particularly heartbreaking because kids can have development stunted, and learned behavior is not healthy behavior. 

Kocher indicates in Piatt County, they continue to see alarming numbers of abuse locally and the need for their services.

You can learn more about Willow Tree Missions by visiting WillowTreeMissions.org or finding them on Facebook.