We are all hearing more about the troubling details of the fatal shootings of a man and wife by a suspect who was then shot and killed by police in the Little Italy neighborhood this week.
And while it may have been a shock for the residents who live or work there to witness such a rare thing, what happened in Little Italy happens everywhere and cases of domestic violence happen way too often and far too often they turn deadly.
According to the National Institutes of Health, family and domestic violence is a common problem in the United States, affecting an estimated 10 million people every year.
They say as many as one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence. And that virtually all healthcare professionals will at some point treat a patient who is a victim of domestic or family violence.
Many cases are not even reported to health professionals or legal authorities.
And sometimes innocent people can be hurt. A recent study over five years found that current or intimate partners accounted for 33-percent of women killed in the workplace.
So just as it applies to many incidents involving crimes or possible crimes, if you see something, say something and report it.
And if you or anyone you know who has been a victim or worried that you might be, the National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24/7. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)