Ruth’s House, a domestic violence shelter in Washington, is holding two classes this fall to teach the public about helping someone in need.

The first program will be held, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Harvest Church on West 15^th Street in Washington.

“We’re having presentations, and the presentation framings are for our volunteers, staff and we open it up to the community,” said Kim Etheredge, Ruth’s House executive director. “We wanted to open it to the community because the presentations range from how to handle a crisis call to what does a court advocate do and questions of ‘Is this abuse?’”

Etheredge said many times people will witness a domestic violence incident, but choose to keep out of the situation.

“Instead of stepping forward and saying that’s not right, lets let this person know this isn’t right and here’s a name of a councilor that could help you and it’s free,” Etheredge said. “You’re not interfering because that’s not what you want to do in somebody else’s relationship.”

Many times, people who have only been in abusive relationship don’t know how to get out of it and believe it’s normal behavior, according to Etheredge.

“You can come to this presentation and find out some information because a lot of people don’t know what domestic violence is,” Etheredge said.

Since Ruth’s House opened its doors over a year ago, the nonprofit has been invited to churches and other organizations to give information about domestic violence and its warning signs.

“We decided that we’re going to give training and put some real facts out there in the community,” Etheredge said. “We want to build a community that doesn’t tolerate domestic violence.”

Washington Police Department officials will be on hand at the class as well, explaining how the department handles domestic violence calls.

Following the September class, there will be presentations in October, January, March and April at Harvest Church located at 2020 W. 15th St., Washington.