Watch: Dover Pastor Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence

DOVER, MA — A pastor with The Dover Church is speaking out against domestic violence following the discovery of Kathleen McLean, dead near her Dover home this weekend — her husband was charged with murder.

Rev. C. Maxwell Olmstead recorded a video message for his congregation and the community from his backyard on Tuesday, explaining the need for action.

"You may not know, but the most dangerous place for women in the United States of America is their own homes, at the hands of their partner. And talking to neighbors it is quite clear that people were well aware that this was moving on a trajectory of violence. And it is just not acceptable that women can live in fear of their partner," Olmstead said in his video.

He urges the community to be receptive to those who reach out for support and for anyone struggling to find a confidant or "trusted friend" to open up to. Olmstead highlights that the research shows the bigger support network a person has, the safer they are. He adds that the tragic situation is a call to the church, "We are a community, and I know that sounds funny in a time like this where we can't be together."

McLean was 45-years-old and int he midst of a divorce with her husband, Ingolf Tuerk, 58. Massachusetts State Police said McLean had been missing since Thursday evening, but after following a lead, they found her body in the woods near the family's Valley Road home.

At a virtual arraignment on Monday, according to Wicked Local, a medical examiner found that McLean had injuries and bruising consistent with strangulation. Tuerk pleaded not guilty and was charged with assault and battery of a household member, strangulation, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

According to published reports there was a history of violence in the couple's marriage.