ROCKINGHAM — The initials of those killed in domestic violence incidents across North Carolina so far this year were etched on purple ribbons on a banner in front of the old Richmond County courthouse on Tuesday.
The banner, reading “No One Fights Alone,” was on display during the annual vigil hosted by New Horizons Life and Family Services in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Executive Director Teshika Gandy welcomed those in attendance, saying their presence “shows that our community is willing to stand together, raise awareness and take a stand against domestic violence.”
According to statistics read by Betty Gallo McIntyre, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the U.S., and an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners each minute.
“This equates to 10 million abused victims annually,” McIntyre said.
Other statistics, which show abuse can come from both men and women, include:
On the afternoon of Oct. 21, there were five defendants being held in the Richmond County Jail on domestic violence-related charges, two of whom were women.
Domestic violence hotlines across the U.S. receive more than 20,000 calls per day, McIntyre said.
McIntyre continued, saying that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500% and that domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime. She added that 19% of all domestic violence situations involve a weapon.
According to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, there were 162 victims of domestic violence-related homicides in 2025. Of those, 102 were female, 59 were male and one was an unborn child whose gender was unknown.
Men accounted for an overwhelming majority of offenders (135), while only 15 were female.
The report shows that Richmond County had one domestic violence-related homicide in each 2021, 2022 and 2024 and none in 2023 or 2025.
“Behind every statistic is a real person,” Gandy said. “Behind every name is a life, a family, a story and a future that mattered. We remember those whose lives were taken too soon and we hold their loved ones in our hearts.”
Gandy also recognized the courage of survivors who endured abuse and continued to find the strength to move forward: “Their stories matter. Their voices matter. Their lives matter.”
Domestic violence, Gandy said, doesn’t always leave a physical scar.
“Sometimes the pain is hidden behind a smile, a quiet response, or someone who seems to have everything together,” Gandy said. “That is why awareness is so important. We must learn to recognize the signs, listen without judgement, offer support without blame, and create an environment where people feel safe enough to ask for help.”
The mission of New Horizons, according to Gandy is to “restore hope and dignity to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking by providing compassionate support, comprehensive services and a pathway to healing and independence.”
“We understand that leaving an abusive situation is not always easy or simple,” Gandy said. “It takes courage, resources, support, and sometimes a community willing to stand beside someone when they feel they have no one else.”
Tuesday’s event included a walk through downtown with the police and fire departments serving as escorts.
Gandy left the audience with three takeaways: “We remember those we have lost, we stand with those who have survived, and we commit ourselves to creating a future where no one else has to live in fear.”
“Each of us has a role to play, whether it’s educating ourselves, checking on a loved one, supporting a local agency, speaking up against abuse, or simply letting someone know that help is available,” Gandy said. “Every action matters. We may not be able to change every situation, but together, we can make a difference in someone’s life.”
