ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A local nonprofit dedicated to fighting domestic violence tells us tragedies like what happened at Great Wolf Lodge earlier this week and last weekend in Erie aren’t random.
Melissa Robinson of Turning Point of Lehigh Valley told 69 News there are often warning signs to look for if you think someone you know might be experiencing abuse.
“Any changes in that person’s appearance, if they’re isolating more, conversation. You kind of get the gist of how a conversation usually flows with an individual you’re close with, so if you see those subtle changes, or if you get a feeling that something might be happening that they may not be speaking of, are all those kinds of things to look for,” Robinson explained.
Is that person going to work? Have they changed their schedule or eating habits? Robinson recommends first making sure no children are present and then pulling that person aside to check in.
“I think asking the questions is important, being non-judgmental, staying open and available in the conversation. I think a lot of people only think of abuse as physical if they’re leaving physical marks, bruises, cuts on an individual. It can be financial, religious, it can be legal, stalking, sexual. There are a lot of different forms of abuse,” Robinson stated.
Robinson told 69 News these situations and what happened in Monroe County and Erie are unfortunately all too common.
“Educating everybody and that awareness piece is so huge,” Robinson said.
She stresses that there are resources out there to help, and it starts with a phone call.
Anyone with concerns, looking for information about resources, or who has a question can call Turning Point of Lehigh Valley at 610-437-3369.