RECENT AND HISTORIC TRAGEDIES RENEW FOCUS ON DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT

Advocates Provide Resources in Wake of Killings

June 24, 2025

By Abbie Shelter Staff

This year marks the fifth anniversary of two grave tragedies in the Flathead Valley. In 2020, the killing of Emily Mohler, her daughter Piper, and their friend Cody Nevins shocked our community. Later that year, the murder of Amanda Hillious brought further devastation. In the wake of these horrific incidents, many asked what can be done to prevent domestic violence-related deaths. To this day, we still don’t have a satisfactory answer to this question. 

At the Abbie Shelter, we do all that we can to promote safety, independence, and empowerment among survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Despite doubling the size of our staff and expanding all of our programs and services over the last five years, far too many people still face violent abuse in the Flathead.

The slaying of Katie Olson-Hartley and her two young children in Kalispell on Mother’s Day of this year was a heartbreaking reflection of this ongoing struggle. What happened to Katie and her children is an all-too-common event known as familicide. 

According to Domesticshelters.org:

• Familicide occurs once every five days in the United States 

• Three women are killed by their current or former partner every single day

• Abusers who threaten to kill themselves, their victims, or others must be taken extremely seriously, especially if they have access to a gun.

We believe that violence is unacceptable and that Katie, Amanda, Emily, and their children deserved to live. We believe that everyone deserves safe and healthy relationships. The unfortunate reality is that many people experiencing abuse do not ask for help, or don’t know how to talk about what they’re going through. Abusive partners often try to manipulate and isolate their victims, cutting them off from supportive friends and family. 

This is where you as a loved one, neighbor, or community member can be a crucial lifeline. Support is the #1 predictor of recovery for survivors. The more we can all learn to recognize and understand the signs of abuse, the safer our community will be for everyone who lives here.

If you feel unsafe, or if someone you know is experiencing abuse, we can help. The Abbie Shelter offers free and confidential services to all survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in Flathead County. Chat with us online or give us a call on our Helpline at 406-752-7273, open Monday - Friday, 9am - 9pm. No matter how complex your situation is, we are here to assist you.

Get involved at abbieshelter.org/donate or become a volunteer today. Your support could quite literally save lives.