Yesterday at LVMPD’s Annual Victims of Domestic Violence Ceremony, I placed a flower for Marylin, an 86 year-old victim of domestic violence. As I placed the flower, the plaques from previous years faced me, the names of Las Vegans who are lost to us because of domestic violence. I thought of “Cheyenne Connors,” the victim in my novel, Writing Wrongs, Certified, Volume 1. Certified is an homage to several, but most of all, I wrote it for the feisty, beautiful child who lost her life for breaking up with her abusive boyfriend.
This last year, my 17-year-old niece was brutalized by her boyfriend. Like Cheyenne Connors, my niece had a handgun thrust into her face. In my niece’s case, her ordeal lasted for hours, and the attacker never pulled the trigger. We are so grateful for her safety. But as I placed that flower, I knew … my niece’s name could have been added to that plaque. I imagined the spirit of the real “Cheyenne” watching, and I am glad I wrote the book for her, that I told her story and vindicated her name because she was such a beauty, such a force of life. She deserves to be remembered. Every victim deserves the same loving remembrances.
On Friday I will be placing a link for Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence. It is the official Attorney General’s page and carries the finest and most dependable resources for victims. It also has a Wonderful Feature. If an abuser happens to enter the room, pressing the escape button takes you immediately to a weather channel, travel channel, to ensure the browser’s safety. Smart. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Don’t be afraid to get out.
Metro’s message that it takes a village resounds. Be a part of the village.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from any level of abuse, please seek help. Seek help, so that your name or a loved one’s name does not end up on that plaque next year. Join the village.