BLOOMINGTON - People in the Twin Cities are coming together to break the silence about a tough topic...domestic violence.

Tuesday, hundreds gathered at Illinois Wesleyan for the annual "It's Time to Talk Day."  The Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence along with 29 other groups organized the event with one single message:  it's okay to talk about domestic violence.

The day showcases domestic violence survivors so others can learn from their painful stories.  Organizers say domestic violence makes people uncomfortable, but not talking about it causes emotional and physical damage.

One survivor wants others to know that no one deserves to be a victim.  Morgan Hartrich says, "Love doesn't have to hurt, and it's not your fault.  A lot of women place the blame on themselves, but it doesn't matter what time you got dinner done or what you didn't get done in the house.  It's not your fault, and you don't deserve to be hit for it."

Officials with CAEPV say local police officers respond to three domestic violence issues everyday.  Most victims stay with their abusers because they lack self-confidence to leave or fear for their lives.

Click here to find help with domestic violence.