Why The Domestic Violence Death Toll Has Risen In Georgia

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In October, the purple ribbon is worn in honor of domestic violence survivors. / U.S. Air Force

Over the past decade, Georgia has ranked among the top fifteen U.S. states for domestic violence-related deaths. During the past decade, an average of 126 Georgians were killed due to domestic violence each year, according to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV). In 2017, that number rose, and domestic violence killed 149 Georgians. According to the Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Review Project, 70 percent of those deaths were attributed to firearms. "On Second Thought" host Virginia Prescott speaks with Shenna Morris and Lavon Morris-Grant.

To understand why domestic violence-related deaths are on the rise, we spoke with Shenna Morris, GCADV policy and community engagement director. We also spoke with Lavon Morris-Grant, founding executive director of MACOSH Healing Network. Morris-Grant is also a domestic violence survivor.