A moment of silence honored victims who could not share their stories, while the event also provided a platform to support survivors who have broken their silence.
Ebele Saint Louis shared her harrowing experience of being attacked by her ex-husband in 2003, an assault that cost her part of her arm.
"I'm still here and empowered. I wasn't meant to be here today, but I'm here," she said. "On October 5th,2003, my ex-husband attacked me."
Saint Louis recounted the attack in vivid detail, describing how she initially thought she was being struck with a stick before realizing it was a machete. Her oldest son came to her aid, calling for help.
The help that showed up included Raleigh Fire and Raleigh Police. One of the first officers on the scene was Chief Rico Boyce. He wasn't the chief back in 2003, but a young officer.
"I got there just as the firemen were bringing you out of the house," Chief Boyce said. "I really thought it was a homicide scene. The amount of blood that I saw inside that house... I was like, what monster would do something like this to another human being? I was the officer who put handcuffs on that monster."
Saint Louis survived, but many others do not. According to the State Bureau of Investigation, 155 domestic violence-related homicides occurred in North Carolina last year, a 14.8% increase from the previous year. Six of those victims had previously taken out protective orders.
Charmaynn Cole also survived the physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a person she loved. She shared her story of strength and survival at RPD's event.
"I've never really told this story out loud in a room of people. I was one of those who suffered in silence, with the exception of telling family members. A lot of people did not know what I was going through," she said. "It was empowering. It freed me. It made me feel stronger."
Cole has since turned her pain into purpose, becoming a life coach to help others on their journey.
"I know that there is strength in words when you tell your story," she added. "And I came up here to overcome my fears so that other domestic violence victims can feel empowered to."
It's a message Raleigh Police echoed, reminding those who may suffer in silence that there is help, support, and resources available.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800 -799- 7233.