Glendale, CA, September 25, 2017 — As domestic violence survivors and advocates with YWCA Glendale geared up to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October, news broke of a local Glendale women found dead in her home last Saturday in an apparent murder-suicide. The incident illustrates the need for greater awareness and increased community support to prevent domestic violence.
According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, 45-year-old Brian Valentine and 42-year-old Mary Valentine were named as the two who were found dead in a home in Glendale. The Glendale Police Department have stated that they were in a domestic relationship, and the department is investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
“Learning of this tragic domestic violence homicide is a stark reminder that we still have more work to do in raising awareness about the epidemic of domestic violence and the life-saving services that are provided at YWCA Glendale,” said Tara Peterson, Executive Director of YWCA Glendale. “It should also be a wake-up call to our community that in order to prevent domestic violence we have to come together and find ways to address the issue holistically.”
According to a study by the Center for American Progress, every five hours in the United States, a woman is murdered with a gun, often at the hands of an intimate or domestic partner. California has strong laws in place that prohibit perpetrators of domestic violence from owning guns. Despite this fact, many abusers still have access to guns, which greatly increases the risk that a woman will be murdered.
“Gun violence affects men and women alike, but the intersection between intimate partner violence and gun violence is overwhelmingly felt by women,” said Ms. Peterson. “The risk of lethality of violence against women by an intimate partner is 20 times greater when there is a previous history of domestic violence, and although we don’t know all the facts in this particular case, I can’t help but wonder if there was more we could have done, as an organization and as a community, to prevent this senseless murder,” said Ms. Peterson.
On, September 26, 2017, the City of Glendale recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and issued a proclamation to YWCA Glendale for its service in the community. In collaboration with the City of Glendale’s Commission on the Status of Women, YWCA Glendale is hosting its annual “Voices Against Violence” Candlelight Vigil on October 5, 2017 to honor the lives lost by domestic violence.
About YWCA Glendale
YWCA Glendale’s mission is to help women and children transform their lives with the support and tools they need to achieve economic independence, and have lives free from violence. In keeping with the national mission of YWCA USA, we also have a dual mission of “eliminating racism and empowering women.” To learn more about YWCA Glendale, visit www.ywcagp.org.
About “Voices Against Violence” Candlelight Vigil
YWCA Glendale’s Candlelight Vigil is an annual event aimed at lifting the voices of survivors and victims of domestic violence, as demonstrated by this year’s theme: “Voices Against Violence.” YWCA Glendale’s Clothesline Project will be on display to raise awareness about the realities of their client’s stories. The event is open to the media.
WHEN: October 5, 2017 6:00-8:00pm
WHERE: YWCA Glendale, 735 E Lexington Drive Glendale, CA 91206