LOUISBURG, N.C. — As the community prepares for the funeral for Kiera Massenburg and her daughter, 6-year-old Zoey Jones, it's a reminder of how domestic violence affects communities.

Investigators say Massenburg's boyfriend Daquan Jones killed her and the couple’s daughter. 

Law enforcement officers say Jones also shot two others before turning the gun on himself nearly two weeks ago.

What You Need To Know

  • Relatives and friends are preparing for the funeral for Kiera Massenburg and her daughter, Zoey Jones, 6
  • Daquan Jones, Massenburg's boyfriend, killed the mother and daughter as well as one other before killing himself almost two weeks ago, authorities say
  • Monica Kearney, the executive director of Safe Space in Louisburg, encourages men and women affected by domestic violence to seek services through programs such as hers

Monica Kearney, the executive director of Safe Space, a nonprofit organization that helps domestic violence survivors, encourages men and women to take the steps needed to get out of abusive relationships safely.

“Seek services through domestic violence programs in the community, that way you have support through advocates that can help you navigate," Kearney said. "You have to also consider important documents you might need. We often tell people plan to prepare just as if you were planning to run out of the house for an emergency.” 

Kearney encourages people to establish codewords with their children.

“So, if kids need to do a quick escape to call a neighbor or call 911, they can do this,” Kearney said.

Kearney recommends downloading Ebodyguard, an app created to put all emergency information including protective orders in one place. It has a voice-activated system that can call 911.

Kearney’s office started the Women4change campaign to raise money to provide resources for families affected by domestic violence. To learn more, click here.

Safe Space is hosting a domestic violence awareness luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at Grace Haven Baptist Church in Youngsville to honor its founding members. Tickets are $100.

To learn more, click here.