Kansas City Chief's player Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend then himself Saturday morning. What isn't known is what motivated Belcher to kill himself and his girlfriend. Those who work to prevent domestic violence say it's a reminder to get help.
"Behind closed doors when it's just you and that person, who's to say what's going on in the dark?" asked domestic violence survivor Alicia Salazar.
It's a question teammates, coaches and others might also have following the weekend tragedy. It's a sad outcome staff at Wichita's Women's Initiative Network work to stop everyday.
"We would all like this to never happen again, but unfortunately it does. Last year here in Wichita 10 of the homicides for the year were related to domestic violence and so far 3 this year," said WIN director Karen Schmidt.
Alicia Salazar is a domestic violence survivor. She's just thankful she had the support to get out. It's unclear what kind of relationship Belcher and his girlfriend had leading up to their death. What is clear is the pain in their wake.
"What lies in the middle is a child who is all alone and has no parents and it's just hard to swallow because we don't know the situation. We don't really know what was going on," said Salazar.
Salazar says she hopes people will learn from this incident.
"I think talking about it and telling someone when you're in need. Even if you feel it's the smallest thing," said Salazar.
One in ten women in Kansas will experience domestic abuse in their lives. Often it's a private problem, but Schmidt says this public case could help spread new awareness.
"The more we use incidences like this to educate and talk about it, then hopefully more women do report it," said Schmidt.
If you or anyone you know is a domestic violence victim, the national domestic violence hot line is 1-800-799-safe. WIN and the YWCA provide support locally in Wichita.
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