‘A cycle that has to be broken:’ HAAR hosts seminar about domestic violence

HUNTSVILLE Ala. (WHNT) — The Huntsville Association of Realtors and Relators for a Cause hosted a discussion Tuesday about how to recognize domestic abuse and available resources for victims.

Human resources officials, law enforcement, domestic abuse survivors, and 30 local realtors attended the third annual Standing Against Domestic Violence seminar.

“People in this room are in situations they shouldn’t be in, and they may not know about these resources,” said Beth Heflin, a local realtor and domestic abuse survivor. “They may not be in a position to figure out where they can get help, and that’s why we do this.”

Event speakers included a survivor who said that when abuse starts at an early age, victims can be programmed into thinking it’s normal. Victims may also endure years of abuse because they feel dependent on their partner or family member and are afraid of retaliation from filing a report.

“It’s a cycle that has to be broken,” Heflin said, “people have to understand it’s not their fault and there’s something wrong with the person that’s abusing you.”

She said HAAR and Realtors for a Cause host the seminar to educate the public on how to identify domestic violence, work with law enforcement and human services programs, and heal from their trauma.

“Some people don’t realize they’re in an abusive situation,” said Heflin. “For instance, a mother may not realize her daughter is in an abusive situation or her son, and if they learn some of the things to recognize, they may become aware of it and able to help.”

Realtors in Action is also fundraising for charities and organizations helping survivors recover from abuse. She said that if you think you’re in an abusive relationship, call 911 or contact crisis services before it escalates further.

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