Check out any Crimewatch featured in this newspaper, and there’s likely at least one instance of domestic violence. Oftentimes, there are multiple arrests made on domestic violence charges within any given week. And those are just the cases that are reported. There’s no way of knowing exactly how many women and men are being physically, verbally, emotionally or sexually abused by their partner, and have not reported it to authorities or pressed charges. They may not have even shared with close family or friends.
Domestic violence is an out of control epidemic in our country — and in our local community. It’s difficult to even ascertain how large the problem is, because statistics are not readily available, due to the lack of victims willing to report the abuse.
From what we do know, in 2024, a total of 729 domestic incidents were reported to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in 98 arrests at the time of incident. So far in 2025, there have been 403 reports with 61 arrests at the time of incident. The Sheriff’s Office currently has 89 active domestic violence orders of protection in place. Again, those are just the reported incidents.
Consider other crime numbers provided earlier this year by the Sheriff’s Office — as of August 2025, 301 narcotics offenses, 145 reports of vandalism, 234 thefts/larcenies, 127 burglaries, three homicides. Compared to that, domestic violence offenses are far more numerous.
That’s why it’s important to remember that not only is October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gets tons of attention (and deservedly so) every year; it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
You may be a victim of domestic violence, and not even realize it. Maybe he only hit you once, or you think it couldn’t possibly be rape if it was your spouse. Maybe she talks down to you, makes you think of yourself as less than. Maybe he makes you feel foolish for the way you manage your finances. Maybe you’re afraid to broach certain topics, because he’ll explode. Maybe there are holes in the walls … but at least they didn’t hit you. These incidents may not leave visible scars, but all of these are still examples of domestic violence.
“If they live in fear,” said U Care Executive Director Sunny Wilkins, “if someone seeks control of them, they should seek help.”
No one should have to live in fear, or ever think that they are not worth anything, because of how their partner makes them feel. Your partner should not intimidate you, belittle you and definitely not ever strike you. That is not love, no matter what they may say.
If you are experiencing any type of abuse from your partner — physical, emotional, verbal, financial — we urge you to call the 24-hour U Care hotline, 888-229-3320. There is always a live person on the line to help you through whatever you’re experiencing. There is also a shelter available in the event a person needs to get away from their abuser immediately. If you don’t feel safe speaking the words out loud, send an email: [email protected].
Domestic violence can strike anyone, no matter how much money you make, where you live, what your career is, what color your skin is, what religion you practice. It is indiscriminatory.
One thing you should know for sure: You are not alone.