Debra Alfarone – WUSA – Experts say Prince George’s County is the top spot for domestic violence in the state, and the county is getting an extra $1 million to fight the epidemic.
But one woman says that’s not enough and the county needs more to fight domestic violence.
Reverend Linda Thomas is the powerhouse pastor behind an effort to build a one-stop justice center for domestic violence victims in Prince George’s County.
Construction on the center is already underway, but there are concerns about the funding needed to operate it.
Thomas has lived through the horror of domestic violence herself, but that’s not the only reason why she’s doing this. Her heartfelt reason comes at the end of this story.
This week started, police say, with a man stabbing his girlfriend to death and seriously injuring another woman in Landover. Hours later, police say Kevin Reynolds shot sisters Tarekka Jones and Jakisa Walls-Harris to death while children watched.
A month ago, NeShante Davis and her 2 year-old daughter were allegedly killed by little Chloe’s father.
Thomas says domestic violence does not discriminate.
“It didn’t care that I was educated and from a Christian family,” Thomas said.
But Thomas says she was also abused when she was pregnant. The batterer was her daughter’s father.
“I recall the horrific experience of being choked as I grasped for air to save my life, and the life of my unborn child,” Thomas said.
Eventually, she got out. She now dedicates her heart to helping others and runs the First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s domestic violence ministry.
Thomas is an important part of the ministry’s annual Red Flag conference, helping women know the signs of domestic violence.
“If he’s ringing your phone several times a day, if he’s blowing up your cell phone, that’s not love, that’s power and control … the belittling, making you feel like you can’t do anything right, the name calling,” Thomas said.
“It’s all in that power and control wheel, the isolation where you then are moved out from your family and your friends, the intimidation.”
The ministry gives victims a place to escape, helps them navigate the justice system and offers a growing monthly support group.
“I wish I could tell you that the cycle of violence ended with me but my pivotal point, and the most painful part of my experience, was when I took my daughter to the family justice center in Montgomery County,” Thomas said. “We weren’t visiting, she was a victim. and that for me was the most difficult part. The passion to do this work stems out of that.”
Thomas says if you suspect someone you know is going through this – and about one out of three women and one out of four men will be in an abusive relationship in their lifetime – she says it’s important not to judge, but to listen. It takes the average victim seven times to leave a domestic violence situation.
To view original article click here: Rev. on Crusade to Stop Domestic Violence in Prince George’s Co.