Domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a public safety crisis that is killing people every day.

The tragic loss of Jenna Overson-Martinez, Mary Overson, and 16-year-old Kobyn McClure—a young man remembered for protecting children during a horrific act of violence—reminds us that domestic violence does not only affect one victim. It destroys families, traumatizes children, devastates communities, and leaves generations carrying the consequences.

Too often, survivors do everything they are told to do. They seek help, report abuse, obtain protective orders, make plans to leave, and try to protect themselves and their children. Yet despite these efforts, many remain at risk because the systems meant to protect them are unable or unwilling to respond with the urgency their situations demand. Domestic violence is most dangerous when a survivor attempts to leave. At that critical moment, many victims face escalating threats, stalking, harassment, and violence from offenders determined to maintain control. No one should lose their life because they tried to escape abuse.

The responsibility for domestic violence rests solely with the offender. Our laws and institutions must do more to protect survivors before threats become tragedies.

The reality is stark: many domestic violence homicides occur after prior incidents, threats, restraining orders, or documented histories of violence. Victims are repeatedly told to seek help, yet the systems designed to protect them are often underfunded, overwhelmed, or unable to intervene effectively before tragedy strikes.

We are demanding immediate domestic violence reform that puts victim safety ahead of offender convenience.

Our reform priorities include:

• Stronger penalties for  domestic violence offenders

• Mandatory risk assessments for offenders with histories of violence, stalking, threats, or coercive control.

• Improved enforcement of protective orders and no-contact orders.

• Faster firearm surrender and removal processes for individuals prohibited from possessing weapons due to domestic violence convictions or court orders.

• Increased funding for shelters, emergency housing, victim advocates, crisis response teams, and counseling services and much more!

• Enhanced training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and social service agencies to recognize high-risk domestic violence situations before they become fatal.

• Better coordination between courts, law enforcement, and victim services to identify repeat offenders and intervene earlier.

• Expanded public awareness campaigns so communities recognize warning signs and know how to help victims safely.

• Domestic violence offender registry. 

• AND MUCH MORE!!!!!!!

Domestic violence is not ending lives because we lack awareness. It is ending lives because the legal system has failed to act with the urgency this crisis demands.

The names of those we have lost  should not simply become another headline or another statistic. Their lives must become a catalyst for change.

We call on lawmakers to strengthen domestic violence laws, close dangerous gaps in protection, and prioritize prevention before another family is forced to endure the same loss. Every charge ignored by the courts is a life at risk. Every delayed reform is another opportunity for tragedy.

For Jenna Overson-Martinez

For Mary Overson.

For Kobyn McClure.

The time for discussion has passed. The time for action is now.