SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Family violence is something that doesn’t just affect the people inside a home but according to professionals, it affects everyone attached to it.

The Tybee Island Police Department on a social media post that half of the arrests from the week of April 21-27 included an act of family violence.

Domestic violence certified advocate and C.E.O of 4 THE JEWEL, Karen Denise Altson, Ph.D., told that it does not come as a surprise.

“It does not surprise me that the report, because women and men, whoever is the victim, they’re terrified,” Altson said. “The children are terrified because they’ve always they’ve already been told what happens in the house.  It stays in the house.  It’s not exposed until the officers come and knock on the door.”

It is important to know the signs of domestic and family violence, and to know what to say and what not to say. Abusive situations can be more than just physical, but also mental and financial.

“We talk to them about the tools that they need so that they do not remain in the cycle,” Altson said. “So, they themselves can understand what the root cause is and why they are constantly staying in abusive relationships. They have to see that, right? This either makes them go back into those situations or they’re putting their children and themselves, you know, in a greater danger.”

If you or someone you know is in a violent situation, you can find information and resources available 24/7 on .com/CrisisHotline.