RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The recent killing of Dr. Cerina Fairfax is an unfortunate reminder of the many women killed in domestic violence incidents in Virginia every year. Local advocates say they hope her story and others push survivors to seek resources to get out of abusive situations. The Virgi nia Department of Health reports that every year, one third of the homicides in Virginia are a result of domestic violence. The murder of Fairfax on April 16, and the death of another woman in Chesterfield by an intimate partner just days before, bring that statistic close to home in Central Virginia. Rupa Murthy is the CEO of YWCA in Richmond, which advocates for domestic violence survivors and works to get them the resources they need. Murthy said her team works hard to get those resources to survivors before violence occurs. "There are times where we have to take a moment to believe survivors, to believe women, to believe that violence is occurring and help folks find a pathway out," Murthy said. When high-profile cases like that of Fairfax are in the news, Murthy said it can stir up traumatic memories for survivors of domestic abuse. Murder-suicides like the one police report Fairfax's husband carried out account for 20% of domestic violence homicides. "We are living through an epidemic of domestic violence. We're living through an epidemic of intimate partner violence," Murthy said. "Every year we hear about folks in our community that die." Just days before Fairfax's murder, 28-year-old Barbie Perez was shot and killed in front of her home in Chesterfield. Friends said the man charged with her murder is the father of her three-month-old daughter. Whether high-profile or close to home, Murthy said she hopes these recent stories push anyone experiencing abuse to seek help. "This kind of violence happens in our community, and the only way that we can ensure that those that are experiencing violence, that are living in the hands of abusers, that are living in violent homes, know that they're not alone, is to ensure that they know that there are resources available," Murthy said. You can learn more about the YWCA's resources on their website, or by calling their hotline at 804-612-6126. ...read more read less