The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center in Murfreesboro has seen the number of victims seeking help increase in the last year.
Community Relations Manager Kara Mischke told NewsChannel 5 that the center expects to help more than 2,000 domestic assault and sexual assault victims by the end of the year, which is likely considered to be the most since it was founded in 1986.
There were roughly 1,700 clients in the previous year.
"People are talking about it more and reducing the stigma surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault. People are more comfortable coming forward in seeking these services," said Mischke.
Every 98 seconds another American is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The center offers a variety of free services including an emergency safe shelter, court advocacy, counseling and a 24/7 crisis line.
Mischke attributed the increase in victims to population growth and more victims willing to share their stories.
"We don't want people needing these services, we don't want more people coming through these doors who have been victimized, but it can be a good thing on the flip side that people are more comfortable coming forward," added Mischke.
In response to the increase, the non-profit organization wants to extend its services and hopefully move in to a new building.
The director has applied for several state and federal funds to expand several services including the sexual assault program.
The center is currently raising money to meets its mid-fiscal year goal of $42,500.
