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Advocates Raise Domestic Violence Awareness Following Woman's Murder

CANONSBURG (KDKA) -- They came to the Canonsburg Borough building wearing purple, a color long associated with domestic violence.

It was a call to action to create more awareness and even to stop domestic violence. The Canonsburg community is trying to heal from the deaths of Dalia Sabae and Officer Scott Bashiuom both killed during a domestic violence incident last week.

"We can't ever forget what happened to poor Dalia and her unborn child, but we have to keep fighting we have to run head on into this battle just like those brave officers did," said Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman.

Domestic violence is not just a Washington County problem. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a woman is beaten every nine seconds in this country.

Physical abuse brings it to the forefront.

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"It's hard to turn away when they have a black eye or a broken arm or a busted lip," said Director of Operations Lisa Hannum.

But it also comes in the form of verbal and mental abuse, intimidation and threats.

Advocates say there are a number of services available to help victims. From safe shelters, a domestic violence hotline, support groups and legal advocacy.

"We wanted to offer people a venue to learn about domestic violence and not that but how can they stop it, we did a few actions telling people steps they can take to prevent this from happening," said prevention coordinator Alexander Brooks.

"There are so many avenues and so many people to reach out and talk to that would allow people to have help that have experienced domestic violence with their homes, businesses," said Mayor David Rhome.

Mayor Rhome assures his officers will always be there for victims who need a protection from abuse order.

"Our officers are very loving and caring to make sure that those folks that are victims are well taken care of. We will hand walk them through the process to make sure the folks on the domestic violence side are here to help them

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