CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses domestic violence, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.
Domestic violence is a crime that knows no age or gender. This year in North Carolina, reports of domestic violence are on the rise. Recent data shows there are already 24 domestic violence homicides this year, compared to 19 incidents this same time last year.
"I would cover up the bruises or would get hit in areas where you couldn’t see it," Galen Byrnside, a survivor, told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard. "It had gotten so bad that I ran into the bathroom and locked the door."
Byrnside said he knows firsthand what it's like to live through nightmares and endure the trauma.
"I heard someone knocking and saying they were the police. When I came out, it was my abuser. I don’t remember what happened after that, I blacked out," Byrnside said.
Juliana Lozano is another survivor of domestic violence. She said the best revenge is getting out.
"The worst part for me was the sexual abuse," Lozano said. "When you're doing that by force, physical scars can heal, but it’s the internal scars that live with you for a long time."
Domestic violence calls are increasing statewide. The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) has reported 24 homicides this year, 19 of them involving the use of a firearm.
Now organizations working with survivors of domestic violence are looking to lawmakers for more funding as the demand for help increases.
"We are looking to our federal government as well as our state government to offer some temporary relief so that we can make sure that all those doors stay open across our state for survivors of violence," Kathleen Lockwood, with NCCADV, said. "It will ensure that when folks are ready to ask for help, there's someone available to help,"
As they push for more resources, survivors like Lozano and Byrnside are stepping in to help, hoping their story has enough power to save a life and break a cycle.
"There is help out there. You are not alone," Lozano said.
"Don’t be afraid to tell your truth," Byrnside said.
Lozano and Byrnside are very active in the community, and Byrnside specializes in relationship coaching.
For ways to connect for emotional support click here.
Lozano has a nonprofit, Despierta, that aims to help victims and Hispanic women who face many barriers to getting the help they need.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.