Last weekend’s murder-suicide in Chelan that left three children without a mother is a drastic reminder that domestic violence can be a life or death situation. Investigators have linked Saturday’s violent confrontation to a cycle of domestic violence that had gone unreported.

 

MaryAnne Preece, Executive Director of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Center located in Wenatchee, says the key to breaking the cycle of violence  is to find someone to talk to and to have a safety plan in place.

 

Help is available if you are in an abusive relationship or if you suspect a friend, relative of neighbor may be. Preece says the best thing you can do to help a friend in need is to talk to them, and help them form a plan.

 

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women nationwide. It affects over 1 million women a year, making it more common than muggings, stranger rapes and car accidents combined. Again the number for for help is 888-HELP.