Survivors of Domestic Violence Homicide

Shelly's sister Toni was shot by her ex-boyfriend after she broke up with him for becoming too controlling and possessive.

"Each time I speak to other survivors, I get a little stronger. Each time I tell Toni's (my sister's) story, I get a little stronger. Each time I speak out against domestic and gun violence, I find my strength.'"

Tim's mother was murdered by her ex-husband when he was 17. Tim speaks on the effect of domestic violence and domestic violence homicide as seen through the eyes of a son who has lost his mother. His mother had been stalked across state lines by the murderer. In response to her murder, an anti-stalking law was passed to create safer solutions for other victims of stalking.

"Gandhi said 'You have to be the change you want to see in the world.' I hope that my actions model this for survivors."

Kim's husband was having an affair with a married woman. The married woman's husband killed Kim's husband and then himself as a way of punishing his wife. Kim speaks of the effect this act has had on her and her five children who have had to grow up without a father.

Katlynn's father was having an affair with a married woman. The married woman's husband killed Katlynn's father and then himself as a way of punishing his wife. Katlynn speaks of the effect this act has had on her mother, herself, and her four siblings.

Marjorie’s sister, Jessica, lost her life to domestic violence homicide at the age of 19. Marjorie speaks to encourage change in the education system, believing that students at the high school level need to be more educated about domestic violence and its consequences. She hopes that increased awareness among high school students could help deter this growing problem.

Susan’s oldest daughter, Jessica, broke off a relationship with her boyfriend when he smashed the windshield of her car. After he pleaded with her several times a day for weeks, Jessie agreed to meet with him, thinking he wanted to talk about reconciliation. His intentions were far more sinister – he murdered her. If Jessie had survived, Susan believes she would have not only warned others about domestic violence, but also helped those affected by it.

Lynn’s young children, Jen and Dave, were murdered by their father on Christmas Day, 1994. Lynn is committed to making changes to improve the lives of other victims and advocates for the protection of children through the promotion of the Jen and Dave law. In 2004, Lynn received the National Crime Victim Service Award from then Attorney General John Ashcroft.