ATLANTA — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline statistics show intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people every year.
In the past month and a half, three metro Atlanta women were killed as a result of a partner or former partner shooting them.
On Sep. 13, Krystal Evan's, 44, ex-husband, Tom Mallory, shot and killed her outside of the Spalding County Courthouse, according to the sheriff's office.
Then, on Sep. 22, Namarri Shackleford was shot and killed in Mableton. Cobb County Police announced the arrest of David Wells, 26, of Atlanta. He's facing felony murder, aggravated assault, cruelty to children, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence.
And most recently, Mariana Guillen, of Tucker, was shot in the face inside her Tucker apartment on Oct. 21. Gwinnett County Police arrested Aaron Guillen for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Travis Shackleford is Namarri's brother. He now has custody of her one and three-year-old daughters, who he said witnessed the murder.
“‘Uncle Trav, Daddy pushed mommy. Daddy pulled mommy’s hair. Mommy’s hands went up, and her eyes closed,'" Travis described. “That pierces my heart when my niece says that to me.”
Tuesday marks one month since Travis lost his sister. He still struggles with it because he wanted to protect her. He said he had just spoken to Namarri three hours before she died.
“My sister was my built-in best friend," Travis said. "She was strong. She was fierce.”
Despite how strong she was, Travis couldn't have imagined this ending. He agrees with Evans' family that the criminal justice system failed them.
“I believe it needs to be taken more seriously," Travis said. "There needs to be stricter laws put into place.”
Rita Davis-Cannon is the victims' service director for the Georgia Prosecuting Attorney's Council victims' services director. She founded the ATIR Wellness Community. She is also a survivor. Back in college, Cannon said she was in a toxic relationship where she feared for her life.
“I can relate to those feelings of distrust," Cannon said.
Cannon said she works with the criminal justice system to help victims.
“There are advocates in each one of our solicitors general and our district attorney’s offices," Cannon said. "There (are) true people in these organizations—in the criminal justice system that care.”
Cannon said if you know a loved one is going through this, remember that everyone has a reason why they can or can't leave. Believe victims, create a safe space, listen, and be a lifeline.
“You just have to be there ready to support them when they’re ready and not try to force them," Cannon said.
Cannon said there will be 5K at Boundary Waters Park to honor victims next Tuesday at 9 a.m. And there will be a vigil Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church.
The Shackleford Family set up an online fundraiser to support Namarri's daughters.