FORREST COUNTY, Miss. ( WHLT ) – After the beating death of a 22-year-old Mississippi woman , Forrest County deputies want victims of domestic violence to know there’s a way out.

Investigators said they’ve seen more cases of domestic abuse, stalking and human trafficking in the Pine Belt.

Officials with the Victim’s Advocates Unit of the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office said the signs of domestic violence can be physical or mental. Victims often become withdrawn and isolated. They said victims should file a report against their abuser and keep photographic evidence.

The state does provide protection and free housing for victims, their children and even their pets.

“You are able to get a bond condition if it’s for that domestic. And you’re also able to get a protection order. At that point, that protection order is in place, you can actually remove them temporarily from that address. Now, that protection order only lasts 10 days. I do ask that you do follow up. Come to your protection order hearing so the judge can decipher whether he wants to extend that protection order or not. Have your proof key proof on you. If you have to send it to a friend or someone in your family, send it to them so that they can have it. And it doesn’t put you in harm’s way,” said Derica Killingsworth with the Victim’s Advocate Unit.

“We will offer counseling. We can help with Derica and the AG’s office to get your victim compensation form. The state does have money out there to help you on your feet. We offer free child care if you’re in our shelter, if you still work, if you need to go to court or custody hearings or anything like that. We have people come into our shelters that literally have nothing more than their pajamas on in the middle of the night,” said Jason Niblett with Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, nearly 10 million women and men will become victims of domestic violence.

The Domestic Abuse Family Shelter 24/7 Emergency Hotline is 1-800-649-1092.

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