ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler teamed up with the Elmira Pioneers to put on Domestic Violence Awareness Night. 

According to Catholic Charities, domestic violence affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

“There's a lot of different red flags that people can look for and we encourage people to give us a call if they're not sure,” Katie Rhodes, the communications coordinator for Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties, said. “Is this a healthy relationship? Is this a red flag? Give us a call and let's talk through it.” 

Rhodes holds domestic violence awareness very close to her heart. She said this program started up over 25 years ago in Schuyler County. Catholic Charities made the decision because there was no resource for women or men who were facing domestic violence. 

“Domestic violence can happen to anyone in any community...in any area...any social class and sometimes people think, 'Oh, that's just a big city problem. We wouldn't have that issue here because we're a small town,’” she said. “The truth is...it happens here. We want people to know...one: that it happens. Two: what does it look like. Three: where do you go for help?” 

Rhodes said people often think domestic violence is strictly physical abuse.  

“It can also be emotional, mental, even financial,” she said. “People withholding money from a partner...having that physical abuse...obviously, that's the signs that we see.”  

There are other signs to look out for.  

“The negative self-talk that you would then have for yourself because a partner might be putting you down, saying things about you, making you feel like it's your fault, that they're getting upset...there's a lot of different red flags,” she said. 

The money raised at the event will benefit Catholic Charities First Step program. Rhodes said this program has served nearly 200 people with over 4,100 services. 

“First Step focuses on helping any innocent victim of a crime,” she said. "Just to be an advocate for people that are going through this. It can be very tough to leave, and it can be tough to have the resources. Our advocates are there to just guide people through...step by step and help them with the resources they need.” 

First Step has a 24-hour hotline, which can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629. For more information on the program, visit cs-cc.org, or speak with an advocate at 607-535-2050.