LAS VEGAS -- A global effort is calling attention to violence against women and girls.
The movement hits close to home because Nevada ranks at the top of the list for homicides sparked by domestic violence.
On Thursday, in the form of a flash mob, dozens took a stance against violence.
The "One Billion Rising" campaign takes a stand for the billions of women in the world who will be raped or beaten in their lifetime.
It's a scenario S.A.F.E. House Executive Director Julie Proctor said is all too familiar.
"Most people don't know, but once those people leave that circumstances they are more likely to be killed during that period of time because the abuser has lost control over that person," she said.
S.A.F.E. House helps women escape from abusive relationships safely by providing clothing, homes, and emotional and financial assistance.
Proctor said the Silver State ranks No. 1 when it comes to domestic abuse killings.
The message to women is simple.
"Nobody has a right to hurt you or touch you or make you do things that you don't want to," Proctor said. "I just want women to know that there are places out there that can help you."
Aurelia Soto is the face of a survivor.
She said she lived through years of psychological and physical abuse.
Soto said her abuser tried to kill her.
"He tried once and he tried again," she said.
Even then, she returned to her abuser.
One day, though, she said she simply had enough and went to S.A.F.E. House.
"I was like, ‘No more,'" she said. "I thought because if he kills me, my child is going to be alone and nobody is going to take care of him."
Soto now works for the organization that helped change her life and said she encourages others to do the same.
"I did everything that they told me to do and now I'm here and I'm so happy," she said. "If I did it, anybody can. It's not easy but it's not impossible."
