COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- TESSA, a victims advocacy group, said domestic violence cases in southern Colorado are rising.

According to a recent community report published by TESSA, there are 15,000 to 20,000 domestic violence calls for service every year and approximately 3,500 domestic violence arrests.

Colorado Springs has the highest rate of sexual assault in Colorado, according to the City Crime Rankings 2010-11 by Crime in Metropolitan America.

TESSA leaders said partner abuse is all about control. That control can come in many different forms: financial, emotional and physical.

Connie Brachtenbach, the executive director of TESSA, said education is key to preventing domestic violence.

Brachtenbach noted that if a person grew up in a home where domestic violence was prevalent, that individual would be 67 percent more likely to become either an offender or victim of domestic abuse.

She said educating the public, starting at a young age, is important. She pointed out several programs that TESSA provides for middle school and high school students.

Colorado Springs police officers said they have also seen a rise in domestic violence cases over the years.

Sgt. Steve Noblitt said that individuals who are scared that a fight may get violent should call police.

He said it is more important for an officer to prevent a fight from escalating than being dispatched to a scene after violence has already occurred.

You can call TESSA's crisis hotline anytime for help at 719-633-3819.

If you would like more information from TESSA, click here.