My Friend Was Killed By An Act Of Domestic Violence

Folks,

The following story is written by Michele Newbery about her friend who was killed by her 00.Comp Pagehusband after enduring an abusive relationship. We hope this story brings a reality check and reinforces the danger of domestic violence.

Michele Newbery Buckeye, AZ
IG: Pa_Pa_Razzi_  FB: Facebook.com/shelbell88

         Growing up I not only heard about domestic violence but also witnessed it. Although it was hard for me to see I kept to myself because I was scared and felt it just wasn’t my place. As I got older this changed and I wanted nothing more than to “makeup” for all the times I should’ve stepped in.
         I hate to necessarily call it an “opportunity” but the chance to step in and help a friend did present itself to me about two years ago and I did all that I could to help my friend out of her situation. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and her life was taken at 21 yrs of age by her husband just a few months after she had her first born.She was such a bubbly person I’ll never forget the day she came into work “out of character” quiet, with no make-up, showing me marks left from the night before. I immediately offered my place to stay so she could get away and although she didn’t take me up on my offer she did listen and left him.
          A couple weeks later she gave him another chance because she found out she was pregnant. She tried to explain her reasoning for going back to him and I couldn’t understand, being a mother myself, why anyone would want to put their child in danger. She said divorce was looked down upon and she came from a very “traditional” family and was raised to stick by her husband no matter the circumstances.Although I still couldn’t grasp her choice and I tried to respect her decision and didn’t push because things were going good. Everything seemed to be ok in the public eye. I wish I knew her more to see past the smile she walked into work with everyday. I miss her everyday and my heart breaks for her beautiful daughter growing up without either parent. Instead she might be raised by the same “traditions” possibly in fear because the man she has to know as her 
EV 15 Gentlemens Parlor  PSAfather killed her mother and is still free because he was never caught. I’ll always wish I could’ve done more.
         When I first heard about Esperanza Vive I immediately supported their cause because I feel if there was more awareness of the dangers of domestic violence two years ago, or if she had more support around her when she first decided to walk away, she’d still be here today. I believe some “traditions” are meant to be broken especially if it means saving a life. Break the silence, save lives.
I’ll always remember. 
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Why Should You Give A Damn About Domestic Violence?

Folks,

In college I read a story about a young lady that was brutally attacked in a 00.Comp Pagepark. The details of the attack were shocking and troubling enough but the surrounding circumstances elevated the attack to a level of disturbing proportions because there were homes in the area and people heard the screams and cries for help but no one did anything. A simple call to the police would have sufficed but instead many chose to not get involved and refused to take action. When it comes down to it the individuals who heard the cries for help didn’t give a damn about her well-being. You may think my assessment is harsh but the fact remains a human being was attacked and choosing to not do anything speaks volumes. Domestic violence (DV) is a growing problem in all cultures and socio-economic classes that requires all of humanity’s involvement to eradicate.

DV is as a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. “Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person” (www.justice.gov).

Now that you know what DV is, do you wonder how often it occurs or who the victims are? Well, below are a few shocking statistics that should cause alarm:

–  Every minute 20 people are the victims of domestic violence.

–  Globally, 1 out of 3 women has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused during her lifetime.

–  1 in 3 female homicide victims are murdered by their current or former partner every year.

–  Almost 3 million men are victims of physical domestic violence in the USA!

–  1 in 7 men will be victims of severe violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.

–  Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents.

–  Up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

We could go on and on with the stats on DV but the point is that the problem is global and affects both men and women. That’s right, men can also be the victims.

EV 15 Mid Century PSAWhy in the world should you give a damn about domestic violence when it may have nothing to do with you? The victim may be your sister, brother, cousin, daughter, son, mom, dad, grandfather, grandmother, or a friend and you may never know they are in danger. Unfortunately DV is taboo in many cultures and often ignored because “it’s none of our business and we don’t want to get involved in their problems”.

Ignoring an individual is a fundamental rejection of their existence and value. But we believe that domestic violence not only hurts the victim but also all of humanity because we are our brothers and sisters keepers. Taking a public stand against DV will promote awareness and hopefully stop at least one act of DV.

Stay tuned for more articles during 6/4/15-7/4/15 about DV. Thank you for taking a standing against DV. Esperanza VIVE!

Mr. M
Founder/Editor

 

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Hopeful Thanksgiving 2012

Gentlemen,

As we approach the American holiday known as Thanksgiving the painting Freedom From Want is a great symbol of irony because it depicts a great Thanksgiving meal in the historical context of global chaos. The great Norman Rockwell completed a series of four paintings for the Freedom Series. The other paintings are: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, and Freedom from Fear. The paintings were a response to a speech given by President Roosevelt and traveled across the country to support the sales of war bonds. The Freedom From Want appeared on the Saturday Evening Post cover on March 6, 1943.

The world was at war and depending where you lived this problem began in 1939 and in 1941 the United States officially entered the war. So by 1943 manufacturing of goods took a back seat because the materials were being used to support the war effort and everyone was affected at some level by the war. Either economically or family/friends fighting a war in a distant country. Now do you understand the iconic Thanksgiving painting depicting a happy family with a grand ol turkey in an ideal dinner setting is really a stark contrast to what most U.S. families were going through. It was a symbol of hope.

Today many Gentlemen and their families may be experiencing  the same economic difficulties or have family/friends that are serving in the armed forces. Maybe the price was greater and the ultimate sacrifice was made in giving their lives for country.

The hope for a better today and tommorow still exists. We may not have all we WANT but we should be thankful for what we HAVE. Not just one day per year but on a daily basis because a hopeful tradition must continue for a better future.

Mr. M

 

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