Honoring the Lives Lost to Domestic Violence in DC, 2020
As we wrap up October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to remember the human toll of domestic violence. Our DC community tragically lost eight lives to intimate partner violence this year. These murders are heartbreaking and senseless, and as a crisis intervention agency, we do all that we can to prevent them from occurring. The lives lost remind us why we do what we do. Nationally, 1 in 3 female murder victims are killed by current or former intimate partners. This alarming statistic is a heavy reality that we all face around the country.
There are warning signs and risk factors widely understood by domestic violence service providers, and we work closely with our public safety systems to prevent deaths like these. After a particularly high number of domestic violence homicides in 2009, DC SAFE partnered with several agencies across the District of Columbia to create the Lethality Assessment Project, which ensures that all survivors are screened for their level of risk, and that those at the highest risk for re-assault or homicide receive the expedited and enhanced services they need to stay safe. Needless to say, these fatalities serve as important reminders that we can always be better and do more to improve the systems in place.
Today, We are honoring Shanika Williams, Shantel Hill, Re’Sha Blount, Shana Donahue, Olga Ooro, Tia Cokley, Latasha Estep, and Terry Hickman.
Spotlight, Shanika Williams
We are honored to have been connected with a family member of Shanika Williams, who has entrusted us to share a part of her story.
“Shanika was a mother of two, a licensed cosmetologist who worked at Drybar, an aspiring music artist, and an entrepreneur. She had big dreams and was actively working to make them a reality. Her son watched her die, and has to live with that horrible memory forever. We miss her terribly.”
Shanika was born in Southeast and lived in the District all her life. After attending DC Public Schools, including Wilson HS, she graduated from the American Beauty Academy. She then worked at a variety of local salons, while simultaneously establishing her own beauty business and pursuing her dream of being a recording artist. Shanika was a proud mother to both a son and daughter. Sadly, her life was prematurely taken on July 12, 2020. Today, October 31, would have been her 29th birthday. Our deepest condolences go out to her loved ones.
This fight is ongoing. We use October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to come together and raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence. As a community, we must stand in solidarity with survivors and elevate available resources all year long. And of course, always remember the lives lost too soon.