This is my first blog post I hope you take the time to read it. I hope as we continue this blog journey together we can learn, and inspire each other. This post is in no way meant to harm the victims or their families.
When we often hear of DV we usually think of the physical slap, shout, or even a kick. But what happens when those physical touches become emotional or even financial. I can't tell you the number of stories I have done since 2020 where DV has impacted families regardless of socioeconomic levels, status, or educational levels. It all ends the same the victim usually reported the matter prior or was withholding testimony for fear of retaliation from their partners. Then add in social media, persons that you will never meet telling the victim what did they do to cause this they should have known better they should have left the first time. That's easier said than done.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1 in 4 Women and 1 in 9 Men will experience some form of DV in their lifetime. While more than 40% of Black Women will experience DV in their lifetime, unfortunately, 56% of Black Women will be murdered by their former/current partner according to the Black Burn Center.org. According to the FBI in 2020, at least four Black Women and Girls were specifically murdered. More shocking Black Women who become pregnant are 2x more likely to die from homicide than any other leading cause of maternal mortality a story released by the Lily News.
Still, don't think it doesn't affect the community at large. Most recently Johnisha Williams and her siblings Jamonica Williams and Jordan Williams were murdered by her partner and father of her child Terrell Lewis who murdered the three siblings and kidnapped their child. Though the child was unharmed the scars will remain for a lifetime. During an interview with News 4 Jax, the child stated in part "... she helped me do my math and school work, and she always loved me." Lewis is being held without bond and faces three charges of second-degree murder.
Within the last month (April 2022) I have done stories on Shandell Harris of Florida a mother who was murdered by her husband Carl Watts Jr. as she took her child to the pool. According to the eyewitness, Shandell was ran downed by the suspect and was met with multiple bullets, the report went on to say prior to her death her husband allegedly stabbed her before authorities made it to their location he fled the scene. Watts Jr. is now a person of interest in the murder and disappearance of his other exes Vickie Simmons (2009) and Tukita Scott(2014). According to news outlets, Carl Watts Jr.'s criminal history dates back to the early-mid 1990s.
Amelia Laguerre of New York was stalked by her ex-partner who damaged her and her child's property. Still, nothing could have prepared Amelia when Quay Sean Renard Hines waited for her to leave work as she entered the garage walking to her vehicle when Hines open fire 10x of which 9 which ended Amelia Laguerre's life. Less than one hour after the alleged murder Hines went to the gym like nothing occurred. In Pennsylvania, Tamara Cornelius and her 14-week-old baby (pregnant) were murdered by her ex/father Rafiq Thompson. Prior to the murder the suspect texted the victim 90+ and called 20+ before meeting at a restaurant where the victim left the suspect at the table and went to the gas station the camera showed the moment when the suspect harmed the victim.
Earlier this year rapper Lil Uzi Vert pled no contest (means you admit no guilt for the crime, but the court determines the punishment and restricts civil lawsuits in the future) against his ex-girlfriend Brittany Bryd for an alleged assault last year at a West Hollywood restaurant. Lil Uzi allegedly struck Brittany Bryd with a weapon. In the agreement, Lil Uzi Vert must complete one year of mental health and substance abuse, 52 weeks of DV Counseling, 3 years probation, and 10-year criminal protective order.
Also earlier in the year, it was confirmed that Latima Warren's current partner killed her last year and dismembered her body in Michigan. Warren leaves behind four children. Rory Teasly was a Tick-Tok star when his partner of 10 years killed him while they were playing a video game according to Michigan's Oakland County Sheriff's Department.
Signs/Red Flags of a DV relationship
- Isolation
- Control
- Manipulation
- Jealously
- Separating you from family and friends
- Searching your belongings
- Accessing phone, financial records, email, and social media accounts
- 1(800)-799-7233 National DV Hotline
- Text Love Is 1(866)-331-9474 FOR ANONYMOUS HELP
- www.womenslaw.org
- www.legalmomentum.org
- www.dvleap.org (DV Legal Empowerment & Appeals Project)
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