Franklinton shooting victim's family joins domestic violence rally
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Dozens of people gathered on the steps of the Wake County Courthouse Thursday afternoon to rally for domestic violence awareness.
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They marched quietly for the victims whose voices have been silenced as a result of domestic violence-related murders, including five women killed since December 2014.
"Domestic violence is a very real issue in our community, and it happens to so many people that one in three will be a victim at some point in their life," said Christina Brewer of InterAct of Wake County, which provides support services to victims of domestic violence.
Michelle Williams remembered her sister and the tragic ending to her life. Police say Tracy Williams was gunned down at an ATM on July 26 by her ex-boyfriend Garry Yarborough.
The two had a documented history of domestic violence.
Williams filed protective orders against Yarborough in three counties, one after he allegedly kidnapped her, but Williams' family says she could not get him to leave her alone.
"She did everything legally possible," said Williams. "The restraining order was not enough. They need to take them off the street and take these women seriously."
Yarborough has since been charged with first-degree murder.
One hundred and eight people in North Carolina died as a result of domestic violence-related homicides in 2013, according to the N.C. Dept. of Justice. Sixty two were female and 46 were male.
"We put a lot of responsibility on victims and survivors to figure out how to avoid being abused, and we do not put the responsibility where it lies which is at the feet of the perpetrators," said Stephanie Francis of InterAct.
Francis said change starts with educating others about domestic violence and providing help for victims who still have not found a voice.
"Be aware of the issues of domestic violence and be open so that it's a safe place for victims and survivors to be able to disclose what's happening to them, to know that there are resources and services out there," she said.
"It happened in our house, in our small town, in our neck of the woods, so it's personal. We want to make a change," said Williams.
