MOREHEAD CITY, NC (WITN) – Advocates in an Eastern Carolina county are sharing a message about the help that is available to anyone experiencing domestic violence.

A number of women gathered at the Student Center on the campus of Carteret Community College in Morehead City. The goal was to speak out and bring awareness to domestic violence.

Sue Burke, who is the mother of a survivor, says it’s never easy. Her daughter lost her best friend Valerie in 2014 to domestic violence.

“Valerie was a special person,” Burke said. “She was very happy, loved everyone and made everyone laugh. She did things for people.”

In 2014, Burke says Valerie was shot 17 times. The anniversary of her tragic death was on September 24, and after more than a decade, there is still unease.

“I was very worried,” Burke said. “I’m still concerned about how it’s being moved so close to where Carteret County is.”

The college has partnered with various agencies in the county to bring awareness to domestic violence. These agencies include the Carteret County Health Department, the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program and the Carteret County Rape Crisis Program.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Arroyo says the number of men may be higher than reported.

“The percentage of women is higher,” Arroyo said. “We have men and we know for a fact that a lot of men don’t report, so it could be just as bad.”

Arroyo says the signs of domestic violence aren’t easy to spot, so noting patterns and behaviors can help.

“Watch for red flags,” Arroyo said. “There are always certain things that happen repetitively that this person makes you feel and do.”

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, you can call the Carteret County Domestic Violence Hotline to discuss your options. The number is 252.728.3788 and is available 24/7.

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