Lynchburg leaders urge increased understanding of relationship abuse at community forum

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Leaders in Lynchburg are hoping the community has more understanding about abuse in relationships after a community forum on Thursday night.

Folks gathered at E.C. Glass High School for the event put on by the YWCA along with Mayor Stephanie Reed.

Experts in the field discussed the layered impact domestic violence has had in the area.

RELATED: YWCA of Central Virginia shares red-flags to look out for in relationships

YWCA CEO Stephanie Andrews wants the community to know that they're here to help.

"We need everybody to work together in a collaborative effort to help spread the word about who the YWCA is, what we can do for you, and, to help and prevent and stop the abuse from happening before it gets too far," Andrews said.

In the past several months, there have been three deaths in the Hill City, due to domestic violence.