“With Survivors, Always”: Mecklenburg County Spotlights Healing from Domestic Violence
One in three women and one in four men will experience intimate partner abuse in their lifetime, according to national statistics. In Mecklenburg County, police reported 11 intimate partner-related homicides in 2024, up from six in 2023 and two in 2022.
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Oct. 12 as Domestic Violence Survivors Day. On that Sunday, residents from all walks of life turned out for Mecklenburg County’s Empowerment Walk to highlight survivor stories and educate the community.
The walk was organized by Shanté Cotton, a domestic violence survivor, advocate, and member of Mecklenburg County’s Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County, Safe Alliance, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and Atrium Health.
Intimate partner domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another partner. Intimate partner violence is a serious and pervasive issue affecting people of every race, age, gender, socioeconomic background, education level and income bracket, and taking many forms including physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, psychological, technological and financial abuse.
Survivor Stories
Mecklenburg County’s Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau is a group of volunteers and survivors who educate the community about intimate partner violence through dynamic presentations and storytelling.
Watch Our Survivors Tell Their Stories
Wear Purple on Oct. 16
Purple Thursday or “Go Purple Day” is a national day of action on Oct. 16 during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Everyone is encouraged to wear all things purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness.
Greater Charlotte Hope Line
The Greater Charlotte Hope Line is a lifeline hosted by Safe Alliance for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Mecklenburg County, as well parents in need of support. This free resource is confidential, safe, and staffed by highly trained advocates who have the knowledge and empathy necessary to help those who call. Call 980-771-HOPE (4673).
Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Support Services offers services for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence, including free counseling, supervised visitation and safe exchange services, state-certified Domestic Violence Intervention Program, outpatient substance use assessment and treatment, community education, and teen dating abuse prevention. The Department of Community Support Services also houses the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Advisory Board and coordinates the Mecklenburg Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.