Domestic violence has come into focus in the final stretch of New Mexico's election season.
First-term U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a Democrat, is running ads touting his support for anti-domestic violence and anti-stalking legislation.
Former prosecutor Susan Riedel, a Republican vying to be New Mexico's next top cop, says she has a plan for helping victims.
Domestic violence has been in the national spotlight thanks to high-profile cases involving athletes, but political observers say the issue can be powerful for candidates looking to win over undecided voters before Election Day.
And advocates throughout the state say they're grateful for increased public awareness.
Nationally, 1 in 4 women will be severely assaulted by an intimate partner. Federal statistics also show the prevalence of domestic violence is slightly higher in New Mexico.
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