Raleigh is in the middle of a troubling rise in domestic violence calls and cases in 2026, according to law enforcement and advocates on the ground. Survivors and front-line nonprofits say more people are reaching out for help, even as statewide trackers already show multiple fatal incidents in the early months of the year.
Police and advocates report spikes
As reported by WRAL, the Raleigh Police Department says both calls for service and cases tied to domestic and family violence have jumped in 2026. Ed Dudley, co-founder of Durham-based Shining Light In Darkness, told WRAL that "we've seen probably about a 30% increase in survivors coming to us," and advocates say ongoing outreach and growing community awareness are making it easier for people to ask for help. Dudley and other local organizers add that many of the newcomers seeking aid are from communities that traditional services have historically overlooked.
State numbers show deadly toll
A list compiled by the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows about a dozen domestic violence homicides and one suicide in the state so far this year, a tally that puts North Carolina on pace with last year's tragic totals, according to NCCADV. A 2024–25 report to the General Assembly found 155 domestic-violence-related homicides in 2024, a 13% increase from 2023, a reminder that the upward trend started well before 2026 and reflects a broader statewide pattern, as outlined in the NC State Bar report.
Where survivors can get help
Local organizations say targeted outreach and culturally specific services are helping more survivors make contact. Raleigh-based Kiran, which provides tailored support for South Asian families, reports heavier caseloads, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-799-7233 or via online chat for anyone who needs immediate assistance.
Police response and local context
The Raleigh Police Department maintains a Family Violence Intervention Unit that provides follow-up, victim advocacy and referrals to shelters and legal services, as described on the city's site. The department's 2025 annual crime data show that total calls for service rose 7% year over year and list a set of initiatives RPD says it will prioritize in 2026, offering context on where the department plans to direct resources and training. For more detail, see the Raleigh Police Department and the Raleigh Police Department 2025 annual crime data.
Advocates caution that a rise in calls can signal both heightened danger and, in some respects, progress, as more people find the language and trust to seek services. At the same time, the state's early-year homicide tally is a sobering reminder of what is at stake. If you are in immediate danger call 911; otherwise consider contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or checking local providers listed by NCCADV.
