Carol Wick, CEO, Sharity
Last week: POLICING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
- Tragically, we were reminded domestic violence (DV) killings follow a pattern of predetermined threats. Barbara Tommey, 27, never made it to work Sept. 8 in Orlando. She was gunned down outside her office by her “estranged” husband, a self-described “prophet” and “motivational speaker” with a history of DV, according to authorities. We also know DV “chronic” offenders generally commit the gravest DV acts; also, DV victims are five times more likely to be killed when abusers have access to firearms. Our system failed Ms. Tommey as it has for far too many. It’s time to rethink how we police DV In America! Looking ahead: NOT VICTIMS’ FAULT: The Orlando Police Department suggested to reporters that to “prevent” murder, it’s the responsibility of domestic violence victims to reach out to shelters for help. No! We need to hold abusers accountable. Barbara Tommey’s “estranged” husband was previously arrested for DV. He fatally shot her seven times outside the credit union where she worked. She became homeless to leave him three months ago. What if instead of implying it’s the victim’s fault, our institutions, policymakers, and the American people collectively delivered the message to abusers that, “You will not hurt your family in our communities. Or you’ll be stopped!” Demand change now – vote!
