AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - That deadly incident is now shining a spotlight on domestic violence resources here in western Mass. Advocates say many victims don’t know where to turn for support. Students and community members we spoke with say access to help, and awareness of where to turn, needs to be clearer, before a crisis hits.

Safe Passage is one of the organizations here in western Massachusetts providing services to victims of domestic violence like counseling, shelter, advocacy, legal support, and support groups.

On Friday we spoke with Executive Director, Marianne Winters. She explained that the impact of abuse can grow over time and that leaving isn’t always simple or safe, “the quality of life very often for the victim diminishes in so many different ways when someone is abusing them. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as saying well just leave the relationship because then very often the victim faces criticism from the courts, they face potential being homeless, financial ruin.”

While court documents in this case suggest those signs were present, Winters said domestic violence often doesn’t start with visible injuries but with smaller signs, “sometimes it starts with verbal insults, insults in front of friends, behaviors then turn to isolate the person, people start noticing the person isn’t showing up at family gatherings or events or cancelling plans maybe missing work.”

If you or someone you know needs help, head to westernmassnews.com for a list of resources.

Later tonight on Western Mass News at 10 and 11, we’ll have a full look at my conversation with Executive Director Winters and what all of us can do to recognize the warning signs before tragedy strikes.