Yeardley Love's Family Hopes 'One Love Day' Will End Dating Violence

As the four-year anniversary of the death of Yeardley Love nears, her family is lobbying Congress to pass legislation to make May 3 the “National One Love Day” that would raise awareness about dating violence.

The Cockeysville native and University of Virginia lacrosse player was beaten to death by her ex-boyfriend on May 3, 2010, reports WJZ TV. In 2012, George Huguely was convicted of second-degree murder in Yeardley’s death and is serving a 23-year sentence.

“I have two lives. My life before May 3, 2010 and my life after,” Sharon Love, the victim’s mother, told the TV station.

Love, 22, was killed by Huguely, 25, of Chevy Chase in a drunken rage just weeks before she was to graduate. Both played on the University of Virginia's elite lacrosse teams, reports ABC TV. Prior to the murder, Huguely had several run-ins with the law, including violent behavior. Three of these instances are outlined in a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit that Sharon Love has filed against the coaches at the University of Virginia.

Sharon and Yeardley’s sister, Lexie, have started the One Love Foundation to draw attention to domestic violence. Besides the bill in Congress, the foundation has created an awareness campaign about dating violence and two smartphone apps. The apps help people identify if they’re in an unhealthy relationship and offers ways to get help.

Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is working to help pass the bill.

“Domestic violence is happening everywhere and we need to put a stop to it before an unfortunate situation like Yeardley Love’s death occurs,” Ruppersberger told WJZ.

Sharon Love hopes to get the legislation passed before May 3, 2015.