HOUSTON – The Houston Area Women’s Center released a statement following the death of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a student at Rice University who was found dead Monday in an apparent murder-suicide orchestrated by her partner.
“Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviors to gain or maintain power and control over another person. We must confront the fact this public health crisis impacts all of us. One life is far too many,” a portion of the statement read.
The statement went on to address the particularly dangerous role that firearms can play in domestic violence situations. A study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that the presence of a firearm in an abusive relationship can increase the risk of death by 500%,
“Andrea, a Rice University Student, became a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV) losing her life to gun violence at the hands of her boyfriend. In Texas, guns accounted for 73% of identified intimate partner violence deaths over 2019-2022,” the statement continued.
Avila’s family arrived in Houston Tuesday morning and received support from Rice’s leadership team. The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
Planning and prioritizing safety can reduce the risk of future harm from an abusive partner.
“Remember, you are not alone, the abuse is not your fault, and no one deserves to be in an abusive relationship,” the statement read.
Anyone currently experiencing or in fear of experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to contact HAWC on their 24/7 hotline at 713-528-2121 or live chat on their website.
KPRC 2 News created a series, “Breaking Free,” reporting on domestic-related violence and its horrific consequences. The series showcased various stories of survival, heartache, and some even ending in death, but each shared a list of free domestic violence resources on how to get help.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.