Nevada ranks #1 in rate of women murdered by men
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New statistics released show that Nevada ranks #1 in the nation in the rate of women killed by men. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Nevada ranks first in the nation in the rate of women murdered by men, according to a new report by the Violence Policy Center.
The study analyzed homicide data and details information on female homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender.
The study may prove that domestic disputes are taking a deadly turn, particularly in Nevada.
The Violence Policy Center said nationwide more than 1,800 women were killed by men in single-victim incidents in 2009. 35 of those homicides happened in Nevada. Most of them were spouses and girlfriends.
So far this year, Shade Tree, a womens' shelter based in North Las Vegas, has served 1,005 survivors of domestic abuse. Officials at the shelter talked to Action News about the prevalence of domestic violence and homicide, and how important it is for women to leave abusive relationships.
"Sometimes it takes seven or eight times for them to leave and realize that they're not going to change," said Michelle Martinez, a victim advocate at Shade Tree.
The national rate of women killed by men in single victim/single offender cases was 1.25 per 100,000. In Nevada, it was 2.70 per 100,000.
The study uses the most recent data from the FBI's unpublished supplementary homicide report and is released each year to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
Nevada holds the #1 position for the second year in a row, and the fourth time in the last five years.
Following Nevada on the list are Alabama, Louisiana, Arizona, Tennessee and Georgia.
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