LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville honored victims of domestic violence at an annual event on Tuesday.

The Center for Women and Families honored local residents at Jefferson Square Park who died due to domestic or intimate partner violence in 2024. The goal of the annual event is to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide support for people who need it.

State data shows over 44% of women and nearly 33% of men will experience intimate partner physical violence or rape in Kentucky. Last year, law enforcement filled out nearly 42,000 domestic violence reports statewide and police made about 7,700 domestic violence arrests.

Last November, DeVaughn Richardson and his family suffered a painful loss during a night of violence and rage.

"My mother was over there that day with my sister and my nephew," Richardson said. "Next thing I know, he starts shooting at the door."

Richardson's mother, 44-year-old Amy Skelton, was stabbed to death by her boyfriend.

"Stabbed her with kitchen knives over 20 times," Richardson said.

On Tuesday, Skelton was remembered as one of nearly a dozen people who lost their lives to domestic or intimate partner violence last year in Louisville.

"One is too high," said Elizabeth Martin, president and CEO of the Center for Women and Families." Domestic intimate partner violence deaths do not have to happen if we will all speak up."

The empty chairs at the event represented the names of the victims, but Martin said there are many more families throughout the state dealing with loss.

"Domestic intimate partner violence is incredibly prevalent, and Kentucky has the second-highest rate in the country," Martin said.

In August, 37-year-old Erica Riley and her mother were shot and killed outside the Hardin County Courthouse by her estranged boyfriend, according to police. Earlier this month, 40-year-old Jessica Hager was shot and killed by her sister-in-law's boyfriend in Shelby County, according to police.

"This is a public health issue," Martin said. "This isn't a private issue. This isn't a family issue. We need to all speak up and recognize the importance of saving a life."

Advocates said they need everyone to speak up, including victims.

"They can send a message however they want, and we will find a safe way to be able to communicate with them to start safely planning and talking about how to get out safely," Martin said.

Skelton's family still misses her, and she missed the birth of her youngest grandchild.

"He just turned six months," Richardson said. "She never got to meet him."

If you want help escaping an abusive relationship, call the Center for Women and Families 24/7 hotline at 844-237-2331. Their website also helps with information on prevention, education and navigating protective orders in the courts. Click here. 

There are additional resources across the country. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs assistance, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE or clicking here.

There is also a 24-hour Rape Crisis Line in Kentucky at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a sexual assault service provider near you or contact your local Kentucky State Police Post to connect with a victim advocate.

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