LAS VEGAS -- More women are killed in domestic violence incidents in Nevada than in any other state in the country. According to the Violence Policy Center's Report, Nevada has been first four out of five years. The numbers were released ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
Domestic violence victim Mona Bowers has her self-esteem back and is sharing her heartbreaking story so others can escape.
"He beat me on my wedding night. Every day, you'd come home. You never knew if you were going to get beaten or not. He'd throw you down a flight of stairs. He'd pull you by the hair of the head and keep kicking you," she said. "People don't understand the thing of domestic violence. You see, these men, they beat you and beat you until you feel worthless, and they kill your self-esteem."
Bowers says in 1974, her young son became a victim to the horror at home.
"He kicked him and kicked him and kicked him, and knocked him all over the house," Bowers said. "I said, ‘Why?' Because, the little boy asked for a donut and his father said no. So, the little boy had to take a beating."
Unfortunately, Nevada is no stranger to leading the nation in the rate of women murdered. The Shade Tree Shelter says there are a number of reasons why domestic violence is such a big problem in Nevada.
"The increase of the stressors that we're of course realizing with the economy, along with such a transient population, we don't have the infrastructure through families in our communities," said Marlene Richter with The Shade Tree. "The indicators are all around us - the harm to the women, to the children, to the pets, the missed work, the children's missing school. All of those different indicators are there. Be on the look out."
Advocates in southern Nevada have worked hard to educate and help women who are in abusive situations. But the economy is one of several factors that makes reducing domestic violence an uphill battle.
The Violence Policy Center report is a call to action for advocates who say a lot of work needs to be done.
Richter says the only way to reduce domestic violence is for the entire community to get involved. There are also a number of resources available for women, including shelters and a 24 hour hotline.
Nationwide, more than 1,800 women were murdered by men in 2009. Alabama ranked second, and Louisiana ranked third behind Nevada.
Keep in mind, the report tracks 2009 data. The number of homicides changes from year to year, and sometimes fluctuates without a clear explanation.
