Our hearts go out to those affected and those close to McCluskey.

Dating violence and domestic violence are serious issues in Utah, often ones that lawmakers, law enforcement and leaders do not always spend ample time on.

According to the Utah Department of Health, of Utahns who have experienced intimate partner violence in the last 12 months, 26.1 percent are aged 18-34, the highest age group of adults. The organization states that some of the most common reasons victims do not seek help include: believing the abuse will stop, believing the person who hurt them will find out they disclosed the abuse, not wanting help, or believing children might be taken away from them.

It should not require the shocking death of a young woman gone too soon to put better safety procedures in place on our school campuses and in our cities. It is owed to McCluskey and other victims of domestic violence that we do.

Learn about bystander intervention.

If you or someone you care about is in a harassing, violent or harmful relationship, please call:

Utah Domestic Violence Link Line

1-800-897-LINK (5465)

Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line

1-888-421-1100

We can, and should, do more to protect women in danger. It’s time for talk to lead to action.