Lake Worth to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Tonight, October 2nd from 5:00-5:50pm at Lake Worth City Hall

Mothers of 2009 Domestic Violence Triple Homicide to Speak

 At Lake Worth’s 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event

LAKE WORTH, FL: Ms. Ruby Pertee and Ms. Dishune Moore, mothers of two 2009 Triple Homicide domestic violence victims, will speak about the loss of their children to domestic violence – three years after - during the City of Lake Worth’s event on Tuesday, October 2nd from 5:00-5:50pm at Lake Worth City Hall. The City will recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month for the 4th year, honoring victims and celebrating survivors, while rededicating itself to breaking the cycle of violence.

Mayor Pam Triolo will give an opening address and read the City’s Proclamation declaring October 2012 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Speakers include: Penny Darling, Victim Advocate, Anti-Stalking, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), will speak about intimate partner violence, stalking and AVDA services. Donald Cavanaugh, Youth and Family Services Coordinator for Compass will speak about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and Intimate Partner Violence. Jennifer Rey, Violence Prevention Coordinator, AVDA will speak to how each of us can stand up to create change.

Kadiedra Ward spoken word artist, will share her poetry. Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill, an advocate for domestic violence awareness since elected to office in 2008 and survivor of domestic violence, will speak on behalf of women and men who are suffering or have suffered from domestic violence – be it emotional, mental or physical.

At approximately 5:45, a moment of silence will be followed by illumination of the purple lights by families of victims who have been murdered by their partners here in the City of Lake Worth. The City is part of the International Purple Light Nights™ Campaign, promoting education and awareness to end Domestic Violence. The lights will stay on for the month of October. Studio 205 located at 600 Lake Avenue has purple lights available for purchase for residents and business owners who would like to participate.

Domestic Violence Murders in the City of Lake Worth 2008-2011:
Jayne Mariska Zimet, 49, murdered by her boyfriend, Strangled, Died November 29, 2008
Yamika Murphy, age 29, murdered by her ex-husband, shot, Died August 29, 2009
Debra Sears Johnson, age 25, murdered by friend’s ex-husband, shot, Died August 29 2009
Anthony Wright, age 25, murdered by friend’s ex-husband, shot, Died August 29, 2009
Martha C. Aguilar, age 55, murdered by her husband, shot, Died September 1, 2011

CONTACT:     Suzanne Mulvehill, Commissioner District 4

PHONE:           561-267-9827

EMAIL:            Smulvehill@lakeworth.org

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