BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Behind closed doors, countless families are impacted by domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and advocates are working to bring hope and healing.

Every year, millions of people are impacted by domestic violence. Research shows that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience physical abuse from an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

"The outcome of it is the unknown, and so when we're specifically talking about how serious it can be, it can lead to situations like homicide," Ilene Parra said.

Parra is with the Open Door Network, who provide free services for victims of domestic violence. She says abusive partners are often controlling, seeking power over their partner, and these behaviors can escalate.

"We share this s

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