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NNEDV Statement on the Death of Dr. Cerina Fairfax

April 17, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: NNEDV Communications Team (Communications@NNEDV.org)

Washington, DC – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Dr. Cerina Fairfax.

Dr. Fairfax was the wife of former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who police say shot and killed her and then himself yesterday morning. The couple’s two children were home at the time.

Early reports state that Dr. Fairfax recently filed for divorce. Domestic violence is about power and control, and many abusers choose to escalate their violent behaviors when a partner attempts to end the relationship. Tragically, this escalation can include killing a partner as the ultimate act of control.

We know this to be true: Everyone deserves to be safe in their own home. Nobody ever deserves to die at the hands of someone who was supposed to love them.

Additionally, guns and domestic violence are a deadly combination. When a male abuser has access to a firearm, the risk that he will choose to shoot and kill a female partner increases by 1,000%.

Just last month, Nancy Metayer Bowen, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, was allegedly shot and killed by her husband in their home. Both Dr. Fairfax and Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen were cherished, successful members of their communities. Domestic violence is an epidemic that impacts victims from all walks of life. It isn’t a “private” issue. It devastates families and communities, and the trauma can last for generations.

The horrific deaths of Dr. Fairfax and Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen – and the countless other victims whose stories have not made headlines – remind us how much work remains to ensure that everyone can be safe in their relationships and homes.

Finally, hearing about domestic violence in the media can be triggering. If you are impacted by yesterday’s news, advocates are available to support you. Please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by phone (800-799-SAFE), TTY (1-800-787-3224), chat (TheHotline.org), or text (START to 88788).

Please read an additional statement here from NNEDV’s member coalition, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.

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The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) represents the 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions against domestic violence. NNEDV is a social change organization working to create a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists. NNEDV works to make domestic violence a national priority, change the way society responds to domestic violence, and strengthen domestic violence advocacy at every level.