If you’ve been watching the local news, you may be aware that a young woman was killed this week. The prime suspect, Anthony Kirincic, was her boyfriend. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the victim. There are no words that can do justice to such a tragedy.

At CORA, our mission is to provide safety, support and healing for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence cuts across all racial, cultural, class and gender lines. It comes in many forms – emotional, financial, sexual, spiritual, verbal and, of course, physical. Violence usually escalates. And the most extreme form of physical violence in an intimate partnership, death, does occur. In fact, three to five women are killed every day in the United States by their partner or ex-partner.

The sad truth is that if someone is determined to kill, they will kill. Protective orders can be and are violated and even if a survivor obtains support – legal, counseling or otherwise – it doesn’t mean they will leave the relationship. The barriers to leaving an intimate relationship, abusive or not, can be numerous and profound. However, studies show that protective orders do help deter batterers from re-assaulting their partners and supportive services do help survivors achieve a level of social and emotional well-being that can help them lead lives free from violence.

Our trained counselors stand ready to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So whether you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, or for whatever reason you would like to speak to us, I encourage you to call. Our hotline is free and fully confidential.

Onward, until the violence stops,

Melissa Lukin
Executive Director