Domestic Violence Is Closer To Home Than You Think. Steve Wiley Shares Personal Experience

Have you ever had a woman look you in the eyes and say, "I thought he was going to kill me"? I have, more than once. Domestic violence is all over the news because of the situation involving former NFL running back Ray Rice. That's national news, not local. Many people see it on TV, then change the channel. Asinine comments, mostly from men, are appearing all over social media.  I'm here to tell you, it's happening in your hometown. There's probably at least one woman in your neighborhood who's being brutalized by a man she's supposed to be able to trust. Her very life is likely in danger. The Advertiser reports, Louisiana ranks 4th worst in the U.S. for the percentage of women murdered by men. FBI statistics indicate 51% of the women murdered in the Bayou State in 2012 were killed by a husband, ex husband, past or present boyfriend. My friend, and long time colleague, Jay Walker recently published an article, stating he's personally close to several survivors of domestic violence. I am as well. Their stories are horrifying. A few years ago, one of my neighbors wasn't one of the lucky ones. I was awakened from an afternoon nap by a loud noise. Having no idea what it was, I rolled over & went back to sleep. At dusk, blue lights were flashing through my blinds. When I looked outside, there was crime scene tape, and a huddle of crying people. Her ex boyfriend shot her in the head. She was 22 years old.