HARTFORD - The tragic death of Alyssiah Wiley marks the state’s third homicide allegedly stemming from intimate partner violence this year, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Wiley’s long-time boyfriend faces murder and kidnapping charges in connection with her death.

"Intimate partner violence is a serious issue in Connecticut," said Karen Jarmoc, coalition executive director, in a statement. "Our state has averaged 16 deaths annually as a result of domestic violence over the past decade. And while we have established strong measures to protect victims in Connecticut, there is clearly more work to be done."

The coalition’s member agencies provide emergency and support services such as safety planning, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, support groups and court advocacy. These services are all confidential and free of charge.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the statewide toll-free hotline at (888) 774-2900 to be connected to a local domestic violence agency in your area, including The Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield County, which is located in Bridgeport and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. Visit the organization’s web site at http://www.ctcadv.org.