From 2001 through the middle of 2012, the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq was 6,614. However, did you know that 11,766 American women were killed as the result of domestic violence during that same time period?

Victim advocates agree that public attitudes and awareness toward domestic violence are shifting. And, when the issue is back in the headlines — once again involving an athlete — some may wonder what are the lessons learned from these tragedies and how do we prevent incidents like these from repeating themselves?

The answer may lie with coaches. Often referred to as father figures, these influential leaders are squarely positioned to help change the culture and attitudes that spawn domestic abuse.

"I would assume that coaches, when confronted with a situation that he/she become exposed to, definitely address the individual situations," says Bobby Ferraro, executive director of the National High School Coaches Association. "Good coaches assume the mentor/guardian role to kids and when they need help — expert or not — I think the 'good ones' have a trust and relationship with the kid that enables them to have a positive impact on many life experiences (including overcoming a domestic issue)."

An intense national debate erupted recently after the NFL issued a two-game suspension for Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice over an incident in which Rice was indicted for knocking his then-fiancee (now wife) unconscious during an altercation in a New Jersey casino.

The punishment was met with public backlash against the way the league responds to allegations of domestic violence. According to statistics from The San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 of 32 NFL teams employed a player with a domestic or sexual violence charge on their record last year.

The issue of domestic violence isn't isolated to Rice or even football, which is why some suggest coaches can serve on the front line for change.

Samantha Morrow has been a voice against violence for her players, and it hasn't been easy. Morrow is the former women's basketball head coach at University of Texas-Arlington, an NCAA Division I program, and she coached Mansfield High School to a record four consecutive Texas state championships.

"I have discussed several issues with my female athletes … About respecting themselves and their body and about respecting themselves enough to stay out of a volatile relationship," said Morrow, who is the girls basketball coach and girls athletic coordinator at South Grand Prairie in Texas. "I have also discussed domestic violence with them. That is only the tip of the iceberg."

Coaches have to use common sense when addressing any issues of society, including drugs and alcohol.

Females ages 18 to 34 generally experienced the highest rates of intimate partner violence, according to the The National Domestic Violence Hotline. There are a lot of reasons even the most well-intentioned people won't speak up if they witness violence or hear something that condones it. The truth is, silence can be harmful.

Brian Pinero, director of digital services for The National Domestic Violence Hotline, is also the advocacy service provider behind LoveIsRespect.org, a resource that offers telephone, chat and text messaging services to help victims in domestic abuse situations, and teaches people how to intervene if they witness violent confrontations in public.

Pinero said coaches in need of practical tools to discuss the importance of healthy relationships can begin by speaking with local domestic violence program advocates about how to ask the right questions or give the best answers.

"I think coaches can help shape the boundaries for young men to respect, not just women, but to respect people in general," Pinero said. "Coaches are stewards at shaping behaviors beyond the gridiron or the basketball court or the diamond."

Pinero also emphasized that the definitions of abuse and domestic violence can be confusing. In fact, it involves more than physical abuse. Victims can endure verbal, emotional and even financial abuse.