IT IS UP to the ones who are “left behind” to ensure the fight against domestic violence rages on, a Member of Parliament has said.
And as such, St Thomas representative Cynthia Forde has asked residents to assist in a private member’s resolution she intends to present in Parliament.
“[We are] shaping the resolution and therefore I am going to call on you . . . . when we call the town hall meetings, I want you to come.
“There are many women and men who are dealing with domestic violence situations and it is driving them crazy, or it will get worse if they respond or retaliate,” she said to the crowd gathered at a vigil for Krystal Lovell on Monday evening at her family’s Highland, St Thomas residence.
Lovell, 22, was killed at her home. Former boyfriend Jerrick Tudor has been charged with the murder.
“When I come asking for signatures asking for this domestic violence to be stamped out, sign your name on the dotted line and let me go forward with a couple thousand signatures,” Forde told the more than 30 people gathered. “We never know who will be impacted . . . . We [have to] put our feet down and come together as a people to say it has to stop!”
During the speech which ended the night of songs, prayer and fond memories, Forde said that “we need to come together as a people. We need to talk to our girl children and our boy children as well to let them know that beating a woman, or beating anybody at all, is not the way out”.
Sharing her personal experiences of love and relationships, the former educator also encouraged women to pay attention to the character of the man they dated, suggesting they ask others about the man’s personality.
As friends and family remembered Lovell, they spoke with smiles about a woman who loved to dress up, wear make-up and cared about her appearance.
Lovell leaves to mourn two-year-old daughter Skye, father Roosevelt Lovell and mother Lorraine Lovell. (LW)
