In the first five months of this year, there were 27 reported domestic violence deaths in the state, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Some of those deadly cases occurred in the Triangle.
Kimberly Carver, founder of The Purple Trail Foundation, said survivors need to know they are not alone.
"It should not be that way. Love should never hurt," Carver said.
Carver said she spent 15 years in an abusive relationship.
"I was in a domestic violence relationship from the age of 17 all the way to about 32 with my children's father," she said.
Carver said leaving the relationship was difficult and that she attempted to leave multiple times.
"My thing for going back all the time was because unfortunately my children's father at the time back then he would hold my children over my head. You know he would scare tactics. Oh, the system's going to take the kids if you keep running to the courthouse or the police or making these reports. And I was worried," Carver said.
After leaving the relationship, Carver said she turned her experience into advocacy through her nonprofit organization, The Purple Trail Foundation. The group helps people prepare to leave abusive situations by connecting them with resources and support services.
"Whether that's support advocacy, whether that's actual full-blown therapy and counseling, whether that is a SafeLink phone from the SafeLink office, whether that is a restraining order and protective order from the detention center or your local courthouse," Carver said.
The discussion comes as law enforcement agencies across North Carolina continue investigating several high-profile deaths involving current or former intimate partners.
This weekend, Raleigh police investigated the death of Sheremy Dillard. Her boyfriend was arrested and charged with murder.
Wilson police also investigated the death of 54-year-old Khisa Williams. Devone Sharnell Best was arrested Tuesday and charged in connection with Williams' death.
According to the North Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence, there were 27 domestic violence-related homicides from January through May of this year. The organization reported 66 domestic violence deaths in 2025 and 94 in 2024.
"It's not right for someone else to take someone else's life. We have to be vigilant," Carver said.
Carver said warning signs of an abusive relationship may include a partner telling someone they never do anything right, showing extreme jealousy, insulting them, controlling household finances or threatening violence.
She also encouraged friends and family members to approach loved ones with care and support.
"Sometimes when you're overwhelming, it makes people's relationships or situations worse. But you can pull someone to a side and say, "Hey, I've noticed a change in you. I noticed a difference in you. What's going on? Do you mind sharing? I am a safe space. I'm a listening ear," Carver said.
Advocates said help is available for people experiencing domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.