One local non-profit is trying to raise awareness about domestic violence in faith-based communities.

Jessica Forres visited a local church in D-C and spoke with a survivor turned activist.

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[NAT, HALLELUJAH, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME]

Rayshel Murphy is wearing a sharp, red suit. She is speaking to a group of seven people at a Catholic church in southeast DC.

ME SHARING WITH YOU MIGHT SAVE SOMEBODY'S LIFE, ME SHARING WITH YOU MIGHT HELP YOU TO SAVE SOMEBODY'S LIFE.

She's sharing her experience with domestic violence...and how the leaders of her church reacted when she told them about how her husband ...an aspiring minister... had physcially abused her.

THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH I FELT HAD SIDED WITH HIM. HE DIDN'T GIVE ME THE ANSWERS THAT I NEEDED. HE DIDN'T GIVE ME THE HELP THAT I NEEDED.

That's why Murphy started Women of Freedom Foundation...a faith-based organization that provides many services for abused women and raises awareness about domestic violence in Christian communities.

BECAUSE IN THE CHURCHES WHAT WE FOUND IS THEY REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS AND SO TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THEIR AWARENESS ABOUT WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT ENTAILS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND IT AND TO BE ABLE HELP SOMEONE ELSE.

Murphy says one in four women are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News