CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With more than one-third of all homicides in West Virginia related to domestic violence, local victims' groups are trying to raise awareness about the issue and get help to victims.

The West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence launched its statewide "Light in the Window" public awareness campaign this month to educate the public how they can help victims.

Recently, a woman in Mingo County who had filed a domestic violence petition against her husband was found dead in a refrigerator thrown over a hill in Kermit.

Vadie Michelle Stroud, 29, filed for a protective order from her husband in late April, but the petition was later withdrawn. The couple was going through a divorce.

Michelle Stroud's husband, Roger David Stroud, is accused of shooting his wife several times after they argued in the early morning hours of Sept. 21.

Her husband had four previous blemishes on his record from domestic violence or battery, but he had never been charged with a crime.

At the time, Mingo Sheriff Lonnie Hannah said that while the situation surrounding Michelle Stroud's shooting death was terrible, it is not uncommon.

"It's just a social problem we have around here. A lot of women don't work and stay at home and they depend on the men," he said. "These woman will take up domestic violence petitions ... and then they just end up back at the same spot."

Angie Rosser, communications coordinator for the WVCADV, said victims should be encouraged to seek help.

"A victim-blaming attitude is a powerful force in keeping women silent," Rosser said.

"A victim hears victim-blaming from their abuser all the time. When you hear it in public, it just reinforces to message," she said.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With more than one-third of all homicides in West Virginia related to domestic violence, local victims' groups are trying to raise awareness about the issue and get help to victims.

The West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence launched its statewide "Light in the Window" public awareness campaign this month to educate the public how they can help victims.

Recently, a woman in Mingo County who had filed a domestic violence petition against her husband was found dead in a refrigerator thrown over a hill in Kermit.

Vadie Michelle Stroud, 29, filed for a protective order from her husband in late April, but the petition was later withdrawn. The couple was going through a divorce.

Michelle Stroud's husband, Roger David Stroud, is accused of shooting his wife several times after they argued in the early morning hours of Sept. 21.

Her husband had four previous blemishes on his record from domestic violence or battery, but he had never been charged with a crime.

At the time, Mingo Sheriff Lonnie Hannah said that while the situation surrounding Michelle Stroud's shooting death was terrible, it is not uncommon.

"It's just a social problem we have around here. A lot of women don't work and stay at home and they depend on the men," he said. "These woman will take up domestic violence petitions ... and then they just end up back at the same spot."

Angie Rosser, communications coordinator for the WVCADV, said victims should be encouraged to seek help.

"A victim-blaming attitude is a powerful force in keeping women silent," Rosser said.

"A victim hears victim-blaming from their abuser all the time. When you hear it in public, it just reinforces to message," she said.

Hannah said domestic violence cases seem to be exaggerated in the small coal communities, like Kermit, because of the rampant poverty.

Since January 2009, the sheriff's department has served about 290 domestic violence petitions. Last month alone, it served 78 protective orders, but only six of them were upheld in court.

Hannah said the sheriff's department is doing all it can do right now when it comes to domestic violence, but he encouraged victims to follow through with their petitions.

"Once they file it, go for it and get it on record and present their case at a hearing," he said. "Some of these petitions are fraudulent and it's just an argument. But if it's clear and present danger, they should take it all the way to the court."

Hannah said one of the reasons women in these situations don't get help is because of the negative connotation society has placed on domestic violence victims and the limited amount of help in small communities.

"A lot of women don't have any other place to turn and there is no other form of support for them besides local stop groups," he said.

Leaving an abuser is always the most dangerous time for victims, Rosser said.

"Deciding to leave and making plans to leave is a process and can involve leaving and going back several times before they find the safety and support they need to restore their spirit and rebuild their lives torn apart by an abusive partner," she said.

Many victims, like Michelle Stroud, file protective orders against their abusive partners when they are getting ready to leave.

"However, if you pay attention to murder patterns," Rosser said, "you see a clear, clear pattern. When an abuser feels like they are losing control, they see [murder] as the last desperate act to have control over their partner."

Those interested in supporting victims of domestic violence are invited to attend the 10th annual Purple Ribbon Awards ceremony on Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom in the Charleston Marriott Town Center. The awards ceremony is the annual fundraiser for the coalition.

Reach Kathryn Gregory at kathr...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5119.