Disturbed by a startling number of suspected domestic violence homicides in the first two weeks of 2009, Attorney General Drew Edmondson is reminding Oklahomans that help is available to those in need.

"Fifteen days into the new year and already nine people are dead from alleged incidents of domestic violence," Edmondson said. "This is shocking and unacceptable."

The attorney general is asking victims of domestic abuse to contact his office's Safeline to seek help.

In Norman last year, a charge of first-degree murder was filed against Tony Benae Smith Jr., in connection with the Aug. 11 shooting death of Donna Louise Riles.

Riles, 36, was shot in her residence at 112 W. Mosier St. in north central Norman. Police said the two had met two days earlier through a dating service.

A 24-hour hotline, the Oklahoma Safeline serves as a statewide referral source for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Calls to 1-800-522-SAFE are answered by a crisis intervention services specialist who can provide information about law enforcement and safety options and refer the caller to local resources for help.

According to the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Oklahoma's first domestic violence homicide allegedly occurred in Sasakwa on the first day of the year. The coalition reports domestic homicide subsequently claimed another life in Tulsa, two in Calera and a mother and four children in El Reno.

"In two weeks, this state has averaged a domestic abuse-related death almost every 36 hours," Edmondson said. "One person is dying every day and a half at the hands of a domestic partner."

According to the attorney general, there are shelters and programs all around the state to help those who suffer at the hands of an abuser.

"It's vitally important we get this information to our friends and neighbors who need to escape an abusive situation," Edmondson said. "Nine lives have already been lost this year and many more likely hang in the balance.

"Don't become another statistic, a tragic story in the paper or on the evening news. Protect yourself and your children. Get help, get a plan and get out," Edmonson said.

Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com