Experts Stress Education, Prevention To Stop Rise In Domestic Deaths

There have been 11 domestic homicides in the Oklahoma City metro since the beginning of 2012.

It's a crime that has plagued the state for years, and is becoming worse.  The YWCA is raising money to build a shelter for battered women, but experts say the answer is education and prevention.

Jamie Adams, Jessica McPherson-Brown, Lilly Kasabova, Priscilla Dihn, Tia Bloomer, Claudia Aguilar and Tara Johnston are Oklahoma women who lost their lives at the hands of a spouse.

3/14/2012 Related Story: Man Kills Wife, Child, Commits Suicide In Oklahoma City Home

District attorney David Prater says there is an average of 84 domestic violence reports annually. His office works with the YWCA to provide answers and resources for victims. Three weeks ago Tara Johnston and her daughter Alli were found dead in their home. Tara's husband, Daniel was found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room.

This week Claudia Aguilar was shot to death by her husband Juan de la Santos. Police say he killed their 5 year old daughter Evelyn, then himself.

3/16/2012 Related Story: Suspect In Midwest City Mom's Murder May Have Used Loan To Pay For Killing

The YWCA says one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence, but Oklahoma is 11th in the nation for the number of women killed by men. But there are many contributing factors. YWCA spokesperson Jan Peery says one of those factors is that Oklahoma's laws are not stiff enough. She says the YWCA lobbies the legislature to toughen them up.

If you or someone you know needs help. Call the YWCA at 800-522-SAFE.