Article: Woman's death shows growing domestic violence in OK

Chellie Mills ReportingKFOR
4:09 PM CDT, March 17, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Investigators are still working to figure out exactly what happened inside a southwest Oklahoma City home over the weekend, where Cindy Watson was found dead. While police work to solve the case, advocates for domestic violence awareness are speaking out. Josh Beasley with the Oklahoma City YWCA says domestic violence is often dismissed until something tragic happens.

Little is known about the relationship between Cindy Watson and her ex-husband William Watson.

Court records show the couple separated in December 2008.

In March 2009, Cindy filed for a Victim's Protective Order against William.

One month later, in April 2009, court records show Cindy asked for the VPO to be dismissed.

She stated it was too hard to make arrangements involving their children with the order in place.

Police in the areas where William and Cindy lived have no record of any domestic violence situations between the couple.

All that is known for sure is that William walked in to the Shawnee Police Department on Monday and turned himself in.

Oklahoma City Police say he was interviewed by their homicide detectives and then booked into jail on one count of first-degree murder.

Beasley says there are more than 23,000 cases of domestic violence reported in Oklahoma each year.

However, experts say, typically only one in seven incidents of abuse is reported.

He says abuse often goes unreported because the victim feels alone.

Beasley says, "The number one thing to remember is if someone reaches out for help listen to them."

Signs of abuse in relationships are often jealousy, a need for constant attention, controlling attitudes and cutting off the loved one from family and friends.

The Medical Examiner's office is still working to determine the exact cause of Cindy Watson's death.

The Canadian County District Attorney's Office says official charges have not yet been filed against William Watson.

They are still awaiting the final report from police before charges can be filed.