POMEROY — Serenity House, which has a shelter in Gallipolis, has organized a support group which meets 4-5 p.m., every Wednesday (starting Jan. 6) at the Pomeroy Library.

The group is free and open to anyone affected by domestic violence in marriages, relationships and families. Teens may attend but must have a parent’s permission.

Melissa Kimmel of Serenity House in Gallipolis, said the support groups are a place for people to talk about their experiences with others who have been through and survived similar circumstances to provide emotional support. The group also helps combat a marker of domestic abuse which is isolation from society. The group is open to both men and women.

Kimmel said there are many myths about domestic violence including “the woman deserved it” or “if it was that bad she should’ve already gotten out.”

“Not true,” Kimmel said about those two pervasive misconceptions. “People never deserves to be hit, they deserve to be treated with respect. Women stay in abusive relationships for multiple reasons. Offenders often isolate women socially and financially...offenders often even control the vehicle.”

Kimmel said leaving behind their homes, finances and vehicles and all the other things that consist of their lives is hard and can feel overwhelming.

“It’s difficult for them to do that and there has to be planning put into place so if a woman leaves she will be supported,” Kimmel said.

Serenity House attempts to support the efforts of not only women but men who wish to leave abusive relationships. These abusive relationships often contain physical, verbal, financial, psychological abuse at the hands of the abuser. The abuser will often use any kind of controlling behavior to keep the victim isolated and dependent.

Kimmel said she has seen abuse victims appear in all ages, from kids to those in their 70’s. Kimmel said domestic violence occurs not just between a man and woman but same-sex couples.

“It can happen in any intimate relationship, not just in marriages,” Kimmel stressed, adding domestic abuse also happens between parents and children.

Serenity House runs a shelter for domestic abuse victims and their families in Gallipolis though the shelter is open to those from Meigs County. To inquire about the shelter, its programs and support groups, call 446-6752 or toll free at 1-800-942-9577.