In Honor of My Sister
Stories
“My experience with domestic violence is intense,” says Crissy. “As much as I would like to think that my experience is unique, I know that it is not.”
In January 2021, Crissy’s sister Melissa lost her life to domestic violence at the age of 38. “My sister Missy met a man that she thought was amazing,” Crissy says. “Missy had struggled with mental health and substance abuse, but she was on the road to recovery and this guy seemed to be supportive.” They had a quick marriage and over the next few years, Crissy and her family saw less and less of Missy. When they were able to visit, Missy was very guarded and it became obvious that she was being physically abused. Missy had two daughters, and in October 2020, one of the girls called in the middle of the night, in a state of fear during an assault. “We ended up taking the girls and they never went back,” says Crissy, who continues to raise her nieces. “My sister was gone less than three months later.”
Crissy continues, “I have a very powerful story to tell, and [my nieces] will too, when they are ready. Even though there was no justice for my little sister, her life and death will not be in vain. I will always speak to the truth of her life and the lives of so many others just like her. My hurt, my pain, my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration, my sorrow – all these things, they are my experience, and I vow they will forever be my strengths. My knowledge is my power.”
She wants the public to know that domestic violence is prevalent in our community. “We need to act as a community to better support domestic violence crime victims and their children. We need to change laws to better support victims and encourage more education for law enforcement, school personnel, health care workers, and courts.”
Crissy wants to share with survivors: “You are not alone. Do not be ashamed. You are powerful. Be careful.”
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Survivor Story
