CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses domestic violence, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.
Domestic abuse can either destroy a life or claim one. Domestic violence advocates WCNC Charlotte spoke to are sounding the alarm even louder in 2024.
"The problem is bigger," said Melody Gross with Courageous Shift, an organization that aims to help survivors.
Recent data from the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows domestic violence homicides are increasing in comparison to numbers from 2023. Last year, there were 73 homicides.
But as of last week, that number sits at 83 deaths.
"We're going to see an uptick if there's no way that a survivor can seek services," said Gross.
Gross said because there's such a lack of resources in Charlotte, Courageous Shift is seeing more elevated incidences.
She said the situation is only getting worse. This year, funding for the federal Victims of Crime Act in North Carolina dropped more than 42%.
Its impact weighs heavy in the Queen City, particularly among survivors left unhoused by domestic violence.
"Less funding means we don't have enough people on staff to support the survivors that are there," said Gross. "There's some overcrowding and sometimes shelters will have to turn those people away because there's no more space available."
Gross said limited resources impact the entire system, from families and victims to advocacy programs and law enforcement.
"We're not doing enough to actually address the root causes of it," said Gross. "They're our employees, family members, and they're our friends."
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.
Victim Connect is another resource available as well. For more information, click here.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.