I opened my browser today, and saw two stories that immediately gave me a dreadful feeling. As I clicked on each link, I realized my fears were correct. Both stories, of multiple homicides, were connected to domestic violence. I wish this were the first time this had occurred, and hope that it is the last. I am working to do everything I can to reduce the number of women and children killed and families left devastated.

Studies gathered between 1976 and 2005 showed that about one third of female murder victims were killed by intimate partners.  A 2008 report showed that 12 times as many females were murdered by males that they knew, as opposed to male strangers. And a 2010 study showed that 64 percent of female homicide victims were killed by their husbands or intimate acquaintances.

If we join together, take action, support local programs and listen when friends or family members begin to share their stories, we can make a difference in these terrible statistics. Because even one is too many, we all have to say NO MORE.

By Rita Smith, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence