GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A group of advocates is working with the Gaston County Police Department to save lives.
The Domestic Violence High Risk Fatality Team meets with law enforcement and prosecutors once a month.
During the meeting, they discuss the most concerning cases with a real possibility of becoming fatal.
Anyone with helpful information shares what they know, and the organization works to keep victims of domestic violence protected and supported until their case is heard.
District Attorney Travis Page said this helps them argue for higher bonds and longer sentences. This only comes after a judge’s approval and in the most extreme cases.
“The ticking time bombs, so to speak, of Gaston County. We don’t wait to prosecute these cases blindly,” Page said.
At the meeting, a victim told the story of her boyfriend pulling a gun on her three times. However, she has since been able to get away from him.
“He’s like, if you lie, you will regret it,” the woman said. “When I see stories of people who lost their lives, I think maybe that could have been me.”
Organizers said, according to their assessment, Gaston County remains above the high-risk threshold for offenders, though they are seeing a downward trend.
One defense attorney told Channel 9 that he hopes the courts see that the assessments are still based on accusations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach out to the Safe Alliance of Greater Charlotte through its hotline at 980-771-4673.
It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish.
VIDEO: Gaston County woman’s death highlights large problem in domestic violence
©2025 Cox Media Group
