PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Rose Gauthier says her friend is in a coma, a victim of domestic violence.
"She was shot twice. One in the head and one in the arm. Sometimes when we talk to her, she has a little tear in her eyes. the doctors say it's nothing but for me, it's a lot and I think she is listening to us," said Rose.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Rodrigo Oliveira, 44, shot his wife, then shot himself on Sept. 18.
Tereza remains in the hospital.
"Tereza she's a wonderful person. A wonderful woman with a gigantic heart she would do anything for anyone."
The shooting brings to light a bigger issue-- help for domestic violence victims.
"One in three women in the United States will experience domestic abuse. And last year in Palm Beach County alone, there were 4,921 cases of domestic abuse reported."
Organizations want victims to know there is help.
"We do have a 24-hour hotline that you can get on our website and we also have a safe house," said Kathleen Spears, the Chief Executive Officer for the YWCA of Palm Beach County.
Friends are caring for Tereza's two children and praying for her recovery. Rose said, "Never give up hope. I will never give up on my friend."
For more information about the services through the YWCA of Palm Beach County, call 561-640-0050.
Friends need help paying for the Tereza's medical bills. A Go Fund Me page has been set up.