Police say it's one of the most common phone calls they
receive. With an average of 180 domestic violence calls each month.
This crime heavily saturates the area, and Leigh Ann Fry sees first hand how family violence affects the Abilene community.
"People often don't understand there are many subtle things, like texting you 900 times per day, wanting to know where you are, asking why you've been with that person so long, what are you talking about, asking did you see anyone while you were gone. Those types of things are all big warning signs", says Fry.
Noah Project houses individuals and families who have escaped the violence at home. And though the halls look empty, Noah Project is far from vacant. The victims staying here are essentially in hiding, and preferred to stay off camera for their own protection.
Unfortunately, often times individuals go back to their abusive relationships, even after receiving help.
"Most often, it is some type of deprivation. We had a mom where her child was a severe asthmatic, and she didn't have the ability to get insurance. Dad had the insurance, and he threatened her that if you don't return, I'll cancel the insurance", Fry tells us.
But there are exceptions, like Terasa Mata, who acts as an example. She and her daughter broke away from her dangerous relationship a few years back.
"I took parenting classes so I could learn to break the cycle so my kids wouldn't live through what I did. There is nothing you can do to deserve to be hit by someone. Love doesn't hurt, love should build you up, not tear you down. You don't have to take it.", says Mata.
Both Abilene Police and Noah Project say that family violence can escalate quickly, so getting a hold of help is always the smartest move.
APD also says that one of their strategies for reducing domestic violence in the community is following up with victims. They say if families receive more intervention, the likelihood of future violence decreases significantly.
If you are interested in finding out more about domestic violence help, click here.
This crime heavily saturates the area, and Leigh Ann Fry sees first hand how family violence affects the Abilene community.
"People often don't understand there are many subtle things, like texting you 900 times per day, wanting to know where you are, asking why you've been with that person so long, what are you talking about, asking did you see anyone while you were gone. Those types of things are all big warning signs", says Fry.
Noah Project houses individuals and families who have escaped the violence at home. And though the halls look empty, Noah Project is far from vacant. The victims staying here are essentially in hiding, and preferred to stay off camera for their own protection.
Unfortunately, often times individuals go back to their abusive relationships, even after receiving help.
"Most often, it is some type of deprivation. We had a mom where her child was a severe asthmatic, and she didn't have the ability to get insurance. Dad had the insurance, and he threatened her that if you don't return, I'll cancel the insurance", Fry tells us.
But there are exceptions, like Terasa Mata, who acts as an example. She and her daughter broke away from her dangerous relationship a few years back.
"I took parenting classes so I could learn to break the cycle so my kids wouldn't live through what I did. There is nothing you can do to deserve to be hit by someone. Love doesn't hurt, love should build you up, not tear you down. You don't have to take it.", says Mata.
Both Abilene Police and Noah Project say that family violence can escalate quickly, so getting a hold of help is always the smartest move.
APD also says that one of their strategies for reducing domestic violence in the community is following up with victims. They say if families receive more intervention, the likelihood of future violence decreases significantly.
If you are interested in finding out more about domestic violence help, click here.
