Penelope House is a domestic violence shelter based in Mobile that provides shelter, support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, as well as prevention education. Opened in 1979, the shelter is the first of its kind in the state of Alabama and the fifth in the country.

You may know the shelter from their public face, Penelope’s Closet, a thrift store in Midtown whose proceeds go to the shelter. Last year, the nonprofit sheltered 258 adults and 340 children, provided 47 support groups for victims and court advocacy services for 7,845 adults and 6,565 children, according to their annual report.

Executive Director Tonie Ann Torrans has worked at the shelter since 2007. Her mother, Kathryn Coumanis, founded the shelter. Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Lede spoke with Torrans about how to prevent domestic violence and how readers can support survivors.

Questions and answers have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Speaking of prevention, what are some of the signs that people should look for, if they’re concerned that someone they know might be a victim of domestic violence?