Domestic violence rally at H.C.C.

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - One in four. That's the number of women who will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives.

It's not just women. 27% of victims are men.

On Thursday, a rally will be held here at the Holyoke Community College campus in support of victims.

The rally begins at 11:00AM and continues until 3:00PM.

Students, faculty and staff are expected to attend.

According to Jennifer Taylor, President of the Holyoke Community College Psychology Club, representatives from local domestic violence shelters will also be in attendance.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, shelters in Massachusetts are up against many challenges.

They say thousands of victims are turned away each each year due to a lack of space.

In 2006, the statewide domestic violence hotline answered 21,637 calls.

For more information, or if you need help, you can call the Massachusetts Coalition Against Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-785-2020.

In February of this year Jessica Pripstein of Easthampton was killed in what prosecutors say was an act of domestic violence.

Her boyfriend, Ryan Welch is charged in the killing.