THREE RIVERS — Domestic and Sexual Abuse Service’s podcast, “I’m Not in an Abusive Relationship,” has more than 14,000 downloads. On average, individual episodes are downloaded more than 400 times.

With episodes reaching all 50 states along with 48 countries, countless stories work to helping those in abusive relationships see their situation for what it is and find hope, according to DASAS officals.

With average download numbers in the mid-100 range, “I’m Not in An Abusive Relationship.” is produced locally in Sturgis and Mendon.

With close to 700,000 podcasts and 50 percent of Americans saying they have listened to a podcast, the platform has become a powerful way to reach an audience.

“We’re humbled to know that we’re reaching an audience that needs to hear our message of hope,” said DASAS Executive Director Rose Ludwick. “We also know that reaching our community with a message of help is critical. One in three women and one in four men experience some form of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It’s a community issue we often sweep under the rug. It’s time to shine a light on this public health crisis. I’m happy that DASAS is doing just that with our podcast.”

The podcast, produced locally at WBET studios in Sturgis, releases weekly episodes every Wednesday morning. Readers can find the show in their podcast player of choice, as well as on the DASAS website, dasasmi.org/podcast.

DASAS is an organization that is dedicated to putting an end to domestic violence and sexual assault in southwest Michigan. In existence since 1984, DASAS serves victims and their families in Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. DASAS promotes the empowerment of survivors by providing information, resources and advocacy. DASAS also leads prevention efforts by providing accurate information on domestic violence and sexual assault issues to the community, and to youth through school-based initiatives.