FOX5 Vegas - KVVUNevada tops national list for men killing women

Nevada tops national list for men killing women

For the second year in a row Nevada ranks first in the nation for men killing women. While some of the murders were random, the majority were direct results of domestic violence.

Experts say to stop the cycle of violence it's important to empower girls at a young age. Have them take self-defense classes, and they may learn to stay out of bad situations.

Marlene Richter, executive director of The Shade Tree, a women's shelter in Las Vegas, says there are several warning signs of domestic violence. "Separation from family and friends. Frequent absences from work. Freedoms are taken away. It's obvious that there's bruising, injuries or cuts," she said.

The Violence Policy Center says in Nevada 35 women were killed by men in 2009. Ninety-one percent were killed by someone they knew.

Richter says in the past year a staggering 1,000 women sought help from their shelter. But she says the physical abuse is really escalating. "It's just amazing what is happening behind closed doors."

She says violence is about power and control, and the woman's confidence is a big issue.

Krav Maga teaches reality-based self-defense. Their instructors teach all ages how to fight off an attack.

"We want to teach young girls they don't have to tolerate their personal safety ever being placed in jeopardy," Chief Instructor Donavin Britt said.

He says abusers typically seek out people with low confidence. "Human beings are much like lions hunting in the bushes. They don't go after the healthiest zebra they can find, they don't want the strongest gazelle they can find. They want the one with the limp, the one that's not paying attention."

Britt says when fighting off an attack it's okay to fight "dirty" by gouging eyes, elbowing throats and kicking the groin. He says men are typically bigger than the women, so they need to do whatever they can to fight off their attacker. "In that moment of truth it's you and him, and if you're not prepared you're giving him a significant advantage," he said.

Maga is holding a seminar for teens because of the recent murder of Alyssa Otremba. For more information on the studio or that seminar click here.

The Shade Tree is available to help women 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They urge you to call them if you or someone you know is in trouble. For more information on The Shade Tree click here.

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