October is domestic violence awareness month. Domestic abuse is an issue that many people struggle with silently. HLN anchor Christi Paul wrote, "Love Isn't Supposed to Hurt" to share her own story of domestic abuse. She sat down with Natasha to raise awareness about the important issue.

Why do people stay?
Christi Paul says it boils down to fear-- fear of a failed marriage, fear of limited financial stability, fear of what others may think, fear of being homeless, fear of feeling more shame. Paul also noted that the most dangerous time for an abused victim is when he or she tries to leave, making it even harder to act on an escape plan.

Domestic violence fast facts:

• Domestic violence can be physical, sexual OR emotional abuse. Often times the abuser uses the behavior to control their partner. When the abuse is between two individuals in a romantic relationship, the abuse can also be referred to as intimate partner violence.
• ANYONE can be a victim.
• Abuse can include insults, stalking, sexual assault and controlling behavior.
• According to a 2010 study by the CDC, nearly 1 in 10 women in the U.S. has been raped by an intimate partner in her lifetime.
• The same study noted that 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 7 men in the U.S. have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
• Click to Empower, a website devoted to helping survivors and abuse victims find a way out, noted that domestic violence leads to 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths each year in the U.S.

If you need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233).