ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​In the United States, on average, more than one in three women and one in four men will experience rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

Friday marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Willow Domestic Violence Center, along with Monroe County officials, kicked off the month by releasing the county’s domestic violence 2020 report to the community.

In Monroe County alone, there were nearly 5,200 domestic violence cases last year, down 4% from 2019.

The report also highlights five domestic violence incidents that led to homicides. Right now, the county’s rate is 1.6 times the statewide rate, excluding New York City. And Rochester is reporting 3.6 times the statewide rate.

Kimberly Hill, a domestic violence survivor who was in a bad car accident after being chased by an abusive partner in 2011, spoke about her experience.

"… When you are 13, 14, 15, it doesn’t matter how they treat you because it doesn’t matter. The attention, good or bad, at that age when you are building your self-esteem," she said. "And then once you realize its bad, it’s usually too late because you didn’t know the signs."

Outside the Strong Todd Chapel, you’ll find 2,000 purple flags placed on the front law honoring domestic violence survivors who sought help through Willow Center’s 24-7 hotline from March through December 2020.

If you or anyone you know needs support or services, you can call the centers 24-7 hotline at 585-222-7233 or text 585-348-7233.