Domestic Violence Awareness Month: How to support someone experiencing abuse

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and TESSA is an organization helping domestic violence victims, survivors, and their families in El Paso and Teller Counties.

TESSA is based in Colorado Springs serving men, women, and children.

Their resources include a safehouse for survivors leaving abusive homes, legal advocates assisting with court cases including protection orders, counseling for during and after abuse, youth programs for secondary victims exposed to violence, homelessness resources, and more.

TESSA Chief Executive Officer Anne Markley spoke with 11 News about how loved ones can best support a family member or friend in an abusive situation.

"Tell them you believe them," Markley said. "It is very hard to sit by and allow somebody to go through that ... But again, just understand that they have to be able to make their own choices."

Markley says, on average, it takes someone seven attempts to leave an abusive situation before they leave permanently.

TESSA's safe line for individuals in crisis is 719-633-3819.

For all other inquiries call 719-633-1462.

For more on TESSA, .