Topeka ? Help is available.

That was the message Tuesday from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence after the slayings of two women this weekend in Wichita and Osage City.

“We are horrified by these acts of domestic violence. These deaths are a stark reminder that we have a long way to go to achieve safe homes in Kansas,” the coalition said in a statement.

The coalition urged Kansans to call 911 immediately if they hear or see someone being hurt.

In addition, people who need help or those who know someone who needs help should contact the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 1-888-END ABUSE (1-888-363-2287). The hot line covers both domestic violence and sexual assault, and will refer callers to a domestic violence or sexual assault advocacy program in their area.

A list of domestic violence and sexual assault programs is available at www.kcsdv.org/ksresources.html, or by calling (785) 232-9784.

In Lawrence, coalition members include GaDuGi Safe Center at 841-2345, and Women’s Transitional Care Services at (800) 770-3030 or 843-3333.

Ten women in Kansas have been killed so far this year by their current or former husband or boyfriend, according to media reports collected by the coalition.

On Saturday in Wichita, Debrie Jefferson, 26, was shot and killed in her home. Police are searching for her boyfriend who is wanted on a first-degree murder warrant. Jefferson’s four children were nearby in the home at the time of their mother’s death.

Just outside Osage City on Sunday morning, Kristina Timmons, 29, was shot and killed by her husband, Robert Timmons, 45, who then killed himself. Authorities have ruled the case a murder-suicide.

In Lawrence, Christopher Belone is scheduled to stand trial in February for the July beating death of his girlfriend, Linda Begay. Belone has pleaded not guilty.