NC on pace to surpass domestic violence homicides from 2023, 2022
North Carolina has seen 12 people killed this year by a partner or former partner. The state is on pace to surpass the total of domestic violence homicides from 2022 and 2023.
Posted — UpdatedNorth Carolina is on pace to exceed its number of domestic violence homicides this year compared to the past two years, state data shows.
The state has recorded 12 people killed by a partner or former partner between Jan. 1 through March 15.
In 2023, North Carolina had 72 domestic violence homicides. The state had 50 domestic violence homicides in 2022.
During Leach’s appearance in court earlier this week, he and Barbee-Battle’s relatives had a heated exchange.
On Wednesday, family and friends gathered for a memorial service for Emily Steinhoff, who was shot and killed while accompanying her sister to a child custody handoff. Dorian Thomas, 50, father of Steinhoff’s niece, is charged with her murder.
Domestic violence in North Carolina
“The highest risk of harm in a domestic violence relationship is actually after the time they leave the relationship,” said North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence attorney and legal director Nisha Williams.
“Domestic violence can happen to anyone,” she said. “It can happen to men and women.
“It doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are.”
Williams said if someone finds themselves in a fearful situation, they should start a safety plan. She suggested reaching out to a trusted loved one or friend to create code words like, “Hey, I want to order pizza tonight.”
“We are aware not every survivor wants to call law enforcement,” Willaims said. “We want folks to have a variety of choices in resources they can contact.”
The North Carolina Coalition of Domestic Violence says it takes an average of seven tries before a survivor permanently leaves an abusive relationship.
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