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Brooke Walker ReportingIn Utah this year 30-percent of all murders have been a result of domestic violence. October is domestic violence awareness month, and Brooke Walker joins us live with a visual reminder of just how real the problem is.
At the City Hall building in West Valley, a very chilling display is up for view. Silhouettes stand as silent witnesses to a growing problem, but if they could talk, they would tell 41 different stories of domestic violence that happened in West Valley.
One of those stories belongs to Theresa Leiva Fuentes. In January Fuentes was shot and killed by her ex-husband at her West Valley home. Her two girls, ages 9 and 12, watched from the car. The couple had a history of domestic violence and Fuentes had a protective order.
Tonight, West Valley City will hold a program to mourn these victims, but also to celebrate survivors. Irene Jensen will be one of the featured speakers at that program. Jensen is a domestic violence survivor who spent 12 difficult years in an abusive relationship. She says the display is a dark, eerie reminder of something many women are up against every day.
Irene Jensen, Domestic violence survivor: "It's such a devastating--I connect somewhat, but I'm alive and I consider myself very lucky because I did leave."
Rachelle Hill, West Valley Victim Services: "This is happening to people we love all the time and there are so many more victims out there that need support and need help."
Organizers hope tonight's event will let people know that help and support is available. A candlelight march will walk right through the doors where survivors, advocates and residents will talk about ways to reach a city-wide goal. They hope to eliminate all domestic murders by 2010.
