By Amanda Stanley
In a small town where many residents know each other and laughing children play in the street, it is hard to imagine the type of violence that is reality for some families. Unfortunately, domestic violence cases are rising, and North Carolina is not unaffected. According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 35.2% of women and 30.3% of men in North Carolina experience domestic violence and stalking in their lifetime.
Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. Victims of domestic violence often feel alone, isolated from friends and family, with no hope of getting away from their abuser. Resources are available, but many in need don’t know how to access them.
Shonquella Terrell, a Holly Springs resident, was in this situation, and she got help. Now she works a full-time job and parents her three children while helping men and women get free from their abusers through her non-profit, BeSHE, Inc.
“BeSHE stands for ‘be the she that owns the power in yourself’,” explains Terrell. “It’s about the mindset. The abused people need to continue loving themselves. It’s not a dead end when you have support.”
BeSHE, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides free resources for domestic violence victims. Terrell founded the organization in 2021 after a year of footwork, which included becoming a certified advocate in the community. BeSHE serves men and women in Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Willow Springs, and Morrisville.
“I got into this because I have walked in those shoes,” said Terrell. “This is a needed resource, and I am passionate about it.”
Currently, BeSHE connects victims of abuse with available housing, access to counseling, furniture, moving help, outside resources, and most importantly, a person to talk with and guide them. Terrell documents each encounter with the people she supports and makes those documents available for evidence in court cases.
Domestic violence affects individuals from all walks of life. The common misconception is that low-income women are the primary victims, and that their abusers are men. In truth, abusers come from all income levels, races, and genders. According to Terrell, the dynamics have changed and there are more women being abused by women and men being abused by men.
No matter what the situation, victims of abuse need professional help. BeSHE is already providing needed resources, but Terrell has big goals for the future. She would like to work with other area organizations to open a shelter, there is a need for a laundromat, and BeSHE needs an official headquarters. Funding is also necessary to continue providing clothing, furniture, and other essentials for victims.
There are several ways you can help support BeSHE, Inc. Each October, domestic violence awareness month, the organization hosts a fundraising event at The Pavillion at Carriage Farm. The occasion includes a luncheon and is a time for survivors and supporters to get together in celebration of what BeSHE is doing to help women and men escape to a place of hope and healing. Supporters are welcome to attend the luncheon, and volunteers are needed to help with the event.
In addition, donations are welcome throughout the year. You can give through the BeSHE website, besheinc.org. Some of the organization’s funding comes through grants. If you are a grant writer and would like to volunteer, or you are interested in supporting BeSHE in another way, please contact Shonquella Terrell at (919) 862-7358.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact BeSHE, Inc. at
(919) 862-7358. Your call is confidential.
ESL translation services are available.
If your life, or the life of a loved one, is in danger, call 911.
