OKC YWCA Reacts to Recent Domestic Violence Death

For Immediate Release: YWCA OKC Media
Contact: Josh Beasley, Cell: 405-503-3681, jbeasley@ywcaokc.org

YWCA OKLAHOMA CITY REACTS TO MOST RECENT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATH IN OKLAHOMA

News of Stigler murder-suicide “chilled my soul,” responds CEO Jan Peery

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Oct. 9, 2006) – “My heart is so heavy,” stated Marcia Smith, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as she shared information on the latest domestic violence death in our state – a murder-suicide in Stigler, Oklahoma.

“After only two weeks since the death of Nancy Moore here in Oklahoma City, this news sent a chill through my soul,” said Janet L. Peery, CEO of the YWCA Oklahoma City, the only shelter in Oklahoma County licensed and certified to assist victims of domestic violence.

Across our nation this month, pink ribbons are seen everywhere as people recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness for a disease that tragically affects many women. But, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the nation – raising awareness about a crime that affects one in four women. Annually more than 2,000 domestic violence victims are killed – and another 480,000 are injured during the crime of domestic violence. Nearly all of these victims are women and children. In Oklahoma alone, approximately 25,000 cases will be reported again this year.

The Violence Policy Center announced its most recent numbers for women killed by men. Oklahoma moved from 13^th to 7^th in the nation.

“We’re moving the wrong way!” stated Peery. “With the most recent deaths in our community, that statistic hits home. Can we make a difference? The answer is 'yes!' But it ‘takes a village’ to make that happen.”

The public must continue to understand that domestic violence is not just a shame – it’s a crime. Law enforcement must be aggressive in its efforts to keep victims safe, arrest perpetrators and enforce Victim Protection Orders. District attorneys and judges must understand the dynamics of the ‘cycle of violence,’ prosecute these crimes and consistently hold perpetrators accountable. Government officials, law makers, and voters must assure there are strict laws and adequate funds for law enforcement and victim service agencies.

The business world too, has a part. Business owners must implement policies to keep their employees who are victims safe in the work place. Additionally, they must protect victims’ jobs while they receive counseling, legal assistance, or medical treatment. It takes us all – the village.

As you see the pink ribbons strung in every window, also think PURPLE for Domestic Violence Awareness month. Think of the agencies like the YWCA Oklahoma City that assists victims in staying safe through their services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and advocacy.

Many options are also available for individuals interested in getting involved. Whether it is by giving monetary or supply donations, volunteering, or supporting legislation for tough standards in our state, every individual can do something to help to protect our community, our families and – most importantly – our children.

“Our hearts are very heavy these days, but we also see hope in each survivor,” continued Peery of the YWCA Oklahoma City. “The YWCA Oklahoma City’s pledge to the community is to continue providing a safe haven for victims and services to assist them in becoming survivors; to advocate for strict laws and enforcement; and to work with agencies across the board to create real and lasting change in our community.”

For more information contact the YWCA Oklahoma City at 948-1770 or www.ywcaokc.org.

About the Oklahoma City YWCA

With the mission of “Eliminating Racism & Empowering Women,” the Oklahoma City YWCA continues its century of work on behalf of women and minorities. More than 20,000 women and children in the Oklahoma City-area receive help through the Oklahoma City YWCA’s counseling, child care, transitional housing and crisis services programs, including emergency assistance for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Ongoing community outreach efforts of the YWCA Oklahoma City provide education on the issues of domestic and family violence, the empowerment of women and strategies to end racism. For more information on the Oklahoma City YWCA, visit www.ywcaokc.org.