LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Statistics show Nevada has the second highest rate of domestic violence of any state, and as we’ve seen in the Las Vegas Valley recently — those situations can quickly turn deadly.
“People don’t realize that a situation can start off with the isolation, the power and control, and then that escalates, and it can get so severe that it leads to a homicide,” said Linda Perez, CEO of The Shade Tree.
The Shade Tree is a shelter in North Las Vegas for women and children escaping domestic violence, and Perez says their calls for help peak in January after the holidays.
“We do see an increase in calls and an increase in violence,” she said. “When you think about the holidays, it’s festive, but there’s also alcohol involved and maybe other things and family issues and so forth.”
This January 12, a Las Vegas man allegedly shot his ex-wife and killed her girlfriend.
READ MORE: LVMPD: Ex-husband shoots, kills ex-wife’s new girlfriend
Perez says it’s an example of how domestic violence can be dangerous for all involved — including family and friends.
“Unhealthy relationships can lead to these violent acts that, unfortunately, if friends or family are there or involved, it can have that effect, and it’s really a tragedy,” said Perez. “But this is why we really need to educate our families. And if our loved ones are not in those healthy relationships, we have to do our part and make sure we know of resources and how can we support our loved one.”
Perez says seeking help early is crucial to preventing these fatal outcomes.
She says many domestic violence shelters do an assessment when victims come in to determine how lethal their situation could be. “If there is a gun in the house if they have been strangled before. Those are some of the questions that are asked and if there is a yes to any of those answers, then they are on that escalated avenue where it can lead to a homicide.”
The Shade Tree holds a candlelight vigil every October to honor the survivors and lives lost to domestic violence.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
