Veida Ray of Canton said she never thought the "witty and charming" man she married would turn into the "mentally abusive" husband she shared her life with.

For nearly four years, Ms. Ray says she was the victim of psychological and physical abuse.

"I didn't have a thought or an opinion," she said. "They were taken away from me."

Now that Ms. Ray's marriage is behind her, she is helping other victims regain their thoughts and opinions.

Ms. Ray was among other victims and advocates who participated in a panel sponsored by the Cherokee County Domestic Task Force to mark National Crime Victims Week, which runs through Saturday.

Cherokee County CASA for Children and Mothers Against Drunk Driving have co-sponsored the week's events.

The week, which this year also recognizes the 26th anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act being signed into law, is designed to raise issues and an awareness of what victims of crime go through every day.

The purpose of the VOCA is to enhance and expand direct services for victims of crime, specifically victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

A candlelight vigil is planned at 7 p.m. tonight at the gazebo in Cannon Park in downtown Canton. The vigil will honor crime victims and empower survivors of crime.

The number of family violence charges throughout the county have dropped, according to the Cherokee Sheriff's Office.

In 2008, there were 456 charges related to family violence. That number dropped slightly to 404 last year. So far this year, there have been 138.

Sgt. David Simmons with the Sheriff's Office said the steady numbers could indicate more people are aware of how lethal a domestic violence incident can turn.

He also said he's noticed in incident reports that victims mention the stress of the economic recession as playing a role in crimes.

The number of victims seeking help at the Cherokee Family Violence Center continues to remain steady.

In 2008, there were 121 who stayed at its 12-bed emergency shelter. That number dropped slightly to 111 in 2009. So far this year, there have been 39 people come to the emergency shelter.

Shelter Director Maggie Jackson and Outreach Coordinator Michelle Knapp said victims who come to the shelter are staying longer because of the economic recession.

"They can't get jobs," Ms. Knapp said. "People who normally have other resources to use are now coming to us."

Ms. Knapp said she believes the figures will continue to remain steady, and added the shelter will continue to help victims as they come in.

Along with resources, Ms. Ray believes victims also need to be encouraged to speak out about their plight.

While she's escaped the abuse, she still finds it hard to talk about what she went through.

"It's not so easy to explain to anybody the emotional abuse that takes place," she said.

Ms. Ray said she feels like she's finally healing and that she has an opinion.

"It was a difficult road," she said. "I did see the big light at the end of the tunnel and I'm thankful for everyone's help."