RALEIGH, N.C. — According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
Nisha Williams is the legal director at the coalition. Working remotely, Williams checks for court appearances, housing options for domestic violence victims and domestic violence protective orders.
In North Carolina, about 35% of women and 30% of men experience domestic violence and stalking, according to the coalition.
“That power and control is manifested in many different ways,” Williams said.
Domestic violence is not just physical harm — Williams said it can include mental and emotional abuse.
That abuse can be verbal or financial control and the feeling of being isolated.
“Isolation can then further put a survivor in a place where they don’t have anyone to reach out for help when that abuse escalates,” Williams said.
She says it’s important to know how to deal with someone suffering from domestic violence.
Tasha Sullivan, the senior director of domestic violence programs at Interact in Raleigh, said the best way to help a victim is to be an active listener.
“Being an empathetic ear, letting them know that you are there to help how they need it,” Sullivan said.
She says it also takes patience, as it usually takes a victim six or seven attempts before they leave an abusive relationship. And after they leave can be the most dangerous time.
“A lot of these homicides occur at the time that the victim decides to leave the relationship or after they have left,” Sullivan said.
Data from the coalition shows almost 70 homicides last year in North Carolina and 12 from Jan. 1 to March 15 this year related to domestic violence.
Both women said that to help a victim have a successful exit, they must have a great support system.
“We do not want anyone to exit without a plan or safe place to go,” Sullivan said.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, call 800-799-7233 or text "start" to 88788.