Woman's death in Wake County serves as reminder the importance of Domestic Violence awareness

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Domestic violence will be highlighted to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The National Coalition for Domestic Violence first observed the month to raise awareness in 1987. It wasn't until 1989 that the month was officially designated as a month-long highlight by Congress.

The marking of the month comes one day after 44-year-old Hariston Jose Urena-Morales was charged with murder for shooting and killing his 40-year-old girlfriend, Josefina Tavarez.

"I think people just don't realize that, you know, how much DV exists," said Seema Kak. She serves as the executive director for Raleigh-based domestic violence advocacy group Kiran.

"I think a lot of them, if not underreported, people just don't want to go talk about it."

Urena-Morales reportedly took to Facebook following the shooting, confessing his involvement. In court on Wednesday, he again admitted to his actions.

SEE ALSO | Domestic violence deaths on the rise across North Carolina, advocates say

"I was forced to do it. She cheated on me," said Urena-Morales via a court translator.

He is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted.

As of September 26, there have been 50 murders and 17 suicides in North Carolina as a result of domestic violence.

"I think the victims often feel that they it's fruitless if they will go out there and ask for help or tell someone about it because many times they're told it happens as usual," she said.

She said on average it takes victims seven attempts to leave before they finally break free from an abusive relationship.

"They'll leave, come back, leave, come back, or think about it, contemplate about it. So giving them that mental, emotional and financial strength to get out of that situation before something really bad happens," she said.

Meanwhile, LaTonya Sherrod's daughter, Tanasia Gaskins, was shot and killed by her partner in Raleigh in April 2025.

"It's been very hard. Very, very hard. It takes effect when you think about the children and the children were in the car," said Sherrod. "So it's taken a village for us to make it through this."

She is also urging anyone in danger to seek help immediately.

"Don't take it for granted. Like go ahead and do something about it now. Seek help, you know, get the police involved. And sometimes that makes it worse. So it's really a hard situation to deal with and it really needs reform," Sherrod said.

Additionally, Kak said domestic violence isn't just limited to physical. "That is also a myth that you need to be, you know, you need to have bruises, physical bruises all over you for it to be DV," added Kak. "DV can be emotional, can be financial, it can be technological, where people are, you know, their phones are tap their computer email. Everything is being monitored, financial."

If you or someone you know needs domestic violence assistance, help is available via the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.