‘Speak their names’ event honors domestic violence victims, increases awareness
As Louisville sees an increase in domestic violence-related deaths, an annual memorial event at Jefferson Square Park renewed calls for awareness and prevention on the community-wide problem.
On Wednesday, 19 names were read aloud, and purple flowers were placed in individual seats to pay tribute to domestic violence victims in Louisville and southern Indiana who died this year at the hands of a partner.
The impact of the violence extended beyond the semi-circle of chairs as families like Brandee Douglass' are still grappling with their loss six months later.
“We should not have to feel this pain we feel every day,” said Brittany Linne, Douglass’ best friend.
Police say Douglass was shot and killed by her husband, Cherok Douglass, during a crime spree in New Albany back in April. Lorin Yelle, a bystander who was also gunned down that day, was honored alongside Douglass.
“It's good they are shining light where it needs to be because this needs to be brought out more to break the silence,” Linne said. “If we don't talk about it, they don't know it's there.”
Breaking silence to break cycles was the message sent during the memorial from community leaders, survivors of domestic violence and The Center for Women and Families.
The organization’s president, Elizabeth Wessels-Martin, says the available resources and support for those suffering in abusive relationships is a lifeline right now as domestic-violence-related homicides in Louisville jumped from nine cases in 2020 to 19 in 2022. Experts say the pandemic played a significant role in the increase.
“We simply cannot afford to lose more people because someone has chosen to turn a blind eye to violence that might be happening right in front of them,” Wessels-Martin said.
With three months left in the year, advocates urge the community to step in and help so they do not have to speak yet another name.
“How many more families will be heartbroken during the upcoming holiday season and for the rest of their lives because of violence that is entirely preventable?” Wessels-Martin said. “Enough is enough.”
As part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Center for Women and Families is hosting events all October. You can find more information here.