Every October, communities across the nation come together to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to remember lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate progress in the fight against this epidemic and unite those working toward change.

Advocates, survivors, loved ones and professionals collaborate to raise awareness and inspire action.

This year, Legal Services Alabama (LSA) is doing its part by launching a new online resource hub to support survivors and connect them with resources as part of their ongoing mission to combat abuse and promote safety.

LSA has unveiled a new online Domestic Violence Resource Hub in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month according to a news release. This initiative aims to provide support to survivors of abuse throughout the state. The resource hub, now accessible on the LSA website at https://legalservicesalabama.org, serves as a centralized platform offering an array of resources for those affected by domestic violence. From legal assistance to emotional support and practical guidance, survivors and their allies can find crucial information to navigate complex situations and seek justice.

"Alabama abuse victims often lack access to resources. In rural portions of the state, there are fewer shelters or support services, and they are harder to access. Outside of a few larger cities, it is almost impossible to access resources without a vehicle, which victims often do not have," Tyler Brannon, LSA's domestic violence attorney, said in a news release. "The resources contained in this hub shorten the distance between victims and assistance."

The hub reflects LSA's ongoing commitment to fighting intimate partner and gender-based violence. It offers free services including legal protection from abuse (PFA), divorce, child custody, child support and public benefits access. LSA also partners with advocacy groups statewide to provide additional support, such as safe housing and resources to help stabilize survivors' lives.

Brannon emphasized the need for awareness and support, explaining that many victims do not know how to begin leaving an abusive relationship.

"Leaving domestic violence is a challenge. Leaving domestic violence without support can be impossible," Brannon said. "Many victims in Alabama lack resources or knowledge about how to end an abusive relationship. For example, Alabama's special purpose domestic violence restraining order, the Protection from Abuse (PFA), is very powerful. A PFA can provide same-day relief to any victim needing an expedited solution. Many victims do not even know where to start, let alone how to leave. This resource offers answers at every step of a victim's journey to freedom."

In addition to online resources, survivors can reach out for further assistance through the LSA statewide call center at 866-456-4995.