Yeardley Love's family wants a dating violence awareness day

BALTIMORE — The family of Yeardley Love, the University of Virginia lacrosse player who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2010, is seeking help from Congress in their push for more national awareness about dating violence, reports CBS Baltimore.

“I have two lives. My life before May 3, 2010 and my life after,” said the victim’s mother, Sharon Love, who started the One Love Foundation with Yeardley’s sister, Lexie Love. “I think it’s still a topic that’s swept under the rug.”

Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is joining the fight to pass the bill.

“Domestic violence is occurring everywhere, and we have to put a stop to it,” said Ruppersberger, D-Maryland. “The victims need to know how to call out for help.”

Huguely was convicted of murdering Love in 2012 and is serving a 23-year sentence.

Aside from trying to pass the new legislation, the One Love Foundation has created an awareness campaign about dating violence and two smartphone apps that claim to help people identify if they’re in an unhealthy relationship, and offer ways to get help.

Love’s family hopes their efforts can keep Yeardley’s memory alive while also saving the lives of others.

“If we can take such a horrendous thing and turn it into something positive, that can help so many other people,” said Sharon Love. She hopes the bill, which is just in the beginning stages, can get passed before May 3, 2015.