For the past decade, Nevada has consistently ranked among the top 10 states for women killed by men.
This is according to the Violence Policy Center, whose most recent statistics rank Nevada fifth, based off of 2013 numbers. The most common method, according to the statistics, was by gunshot.
The issue has long had the attention of law enforcement and policy makers.
In 2009, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department created the Lethality Assessment Program, basically a series of questions to determine whether the perpetrator is likely to reoffend and even kill the victim. Metro is also required to make an arrest after a domestic violence call.
The most recent piece of legislation concerning domestic violence was passed earlier this year, in the form of AB 193, which permits hearsay evidence in domestic violence prosecution cases. The law is aimed to prevent victims from having to tell and retell their stories.
Despite these advances, Nevada still struggles. Metro Police fields an estimated 60,000 domestic violence calls a year.
Is there something about the culture here that promotes domestic violence? Is it the economy or the typical catalysts - gambling, drugs, alcohol - that promote a culture of violence?
Desiree Peterson is a victim advocate at The Shade Tree shelter. She said several factors play a part in why Nevada ranks so high, including the economy, drugs, gambling and alcohol.
"I think the objectification of a woman plays a part," Pesterson said.
Wesley Duncan is an assistant to Attorney General Adam Laxalt. He believes the transitory nature of Las Vegas is also a factor.
"When people hear yelling or something coming from the home, I think a lot of people don't want to get involved with that," Duncan said. "They seem to stay cloistered in their homes."
Both agree that changes in policy in Nevada could help. Duncan believes extending the hearsay rule for misdemeanor domestic violence cases could help.
He said as a prosecutor he saw many cases dismissed, even if there was strong evidence, because victims didn't show up for court out of fear or because they just wanted to move on.
But ultimately changes in the law will be pushed forward by changes in the culture, according Duncan.
"Culture proceeds the law, often times," he said, "And as the culture changes and the culture becomes more aware of this type of violence the law responds to that."
Peterson agrees that awareness and education helps to stop the violence.
She also said more resources for victims will make a difference.
"More victim advocates with smaller caseloads so we can dedicate more time and more assistance to those victims," she said.
Resources:
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
City of Las Vegas domestic violence resources
Wesley Duncan, assistant to the Attorney General;
Desiree Peterson, victim advocate, The Shade Tree;
Rene Rugaard, victim of domestic violence