GREENSBORO, N.C. — As domestic violence awareness month wraps up, Greensboro Police and the Family Justice Center came together to highlight local resources for victims.
Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson is pleading for the public to speak up and seek help.
The number of domestic violence calls continues to rise.
It's already surpassed last year's numbers at nearly 300 calls.
"We need to come together as resource providers, as a community as leaders to focus and address this issue because the sad thing and great thing about it is preventable," Thompson said.
Seven of this year's 36 homicides were due to domestic violence.
And during last year's record year of homicides, 17 were domestic-related.
That's why GPD and the family justice center came together to make sure not only abusers but their friends and family, know help is available.
The number one resource for abuse victims in Guilford County is the Family Justice Center.
They're a one-stop shop connected to 17 different agencies that help free victims from their abusers for good.
It's something survivor Brenda White wishes was around when her husband attacked her.
"12 years ago April 25th I was stabbed by my now ex-husband. He stabbed me 10 times in the chest, back, neck and face," White said. "He thought I was dead."
White beat the odds and is now a volunteer with the Family Justice Center.
She's an advocate and shows others they can break free and live a new life.
"This is the one big thing I enjoy since I had to retire. I was forced to retire," White said. "It has become my passion now that I advocate for many. It doesn't matter what time they call I want to advocate for them."
If you want to help a loved one dealing with abuse or if you are a survivor yourself and want help you can stop by the Family Justice Center on Greene Street in downtown Greensboro or call their crisis line at (336) 273-7273.