My heart is breaking this morning as we wake up to this horrific breaking news that occurred throughout the night. A man shot and killed his wife in back of a store as she was trying to get away and also shot and killed their three children as well as him self back at their apartment. This all happen about five minutes from where I live. But, it's not that, that is disturbing. After all, we live in Vegas and the crime rates seem to be climbing. What is disturbing to me, is that the poor lady and her children have probably lived with the abuse for years. The news is reporting that they have had a domestic report with him in the past and with the oldest child being 15 years old, I am sure this is what they lived with all these years. My heart just breaks for her as well as those kids.
I am a domestic violence survivor. After ten long years, I thank God he gave me the courage and strength to get out of the relationship and get out for good before it was too late. I really believe that anger is the devil, that it can just overcome someone and make them do things they wouldn't normally do. I can almost be certain that this family has had a hard time, that this was not the first, second or even third time abuse has happened. People say all the time for the victim to just get out, but it's not that easy. I kept hanging on thinking I could help him or that he would change. We always give the benefit of the doubt. I remember thinking - what about all my stuff, what about my family, where will I go, I can't do this on my own.
There were times my ex-husband would beat me in public and I would just pray for someone to call the police, that someone would offer help. No one every did. Not once did anyone call for help or help themselves. And I totally understand not wanting to get involved and possibly fearing their own safety. And if that is the case, call the police, let them handle it. But please, please do not do nothing! I guarantee you, that if you see something - it was not the first time and it won't be the last if you don't call. It could even save a life.
When many think of abuse, they think of physical abuse. Abuse comes in many forms. This includes mental and emotional abuse as well. If you are the subject to any abuse, I highly encourage you to reach out, get help, tell someone! There is hope, you just have to take that first step. I am now married to an amazing man! I have never had a man treat me so good and take care of the kids and I as good as he does. He provides, he loves, he's faithful, forgiving, encouraging and a wonderful role model to the children. I am so blessed and thankful for where I am today. I am a survivor! And I want you to be the same! I have listed some information below and if you want to talk, please don't hesitate to reach out!
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233 (call 24/7 or chat online)
- The Shade Tree (Las Vegas) - 702-385-0072 - open 24/7
- Safe Nest - 702-646-4981 & Outside Las Vegas 800-486-7282 (24/7)