It takes seven times for someone to successfully leave an abuser. As an advocate for domestic abuse victims Brad Koenig with Domestic Violence Intervention Program works to help people in the area get away from domestic abuse and get their lives on track. He explains they have a variety of services available locally that are all free and confidential from navigating the legal system to therapy or finding a safe place to stay.

He also works with a safe haven shelter in Iowa City where victims can go for up to 45 days and learn to live independently without an abuser. They have transportation and counseling services as well.

Koenig is also the president of the Washington County Domestic Violence Coalition which helps get donations to victims, from clothes and toys to children impacted to car repairs so a victim can get to work. For more information listen Thursday and Friday’s Washington Pages. Anyone needing help is encouraged to call 1-800-373-1043, a 24 hour crisis phone line.