Victims, survivors share lives

By LEWIS DELAVAN / News editor

"We will not forget," domestic violence survivors and victims were assured during an annual vigil.

Awareness and knowledge are keys to fighting the insidious disease of domestic abuse, said Amanda White, Saline County Safe Haven volunteer coordinator and victim advocate. The annual vigil was held at Juli Busken Amphitheater in Tyndall Park, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

White said the event was a celebration for survivors, providing hope and reminding them a victim can take back her life.

Julie Gunther sang Casting Crown's "Does Anybody See Her?" The song challenges Christians to help people living on the fringes of society.

Highland Heights Baptist Church's youth band members Marissa Tedford, Dustyn Crossland, Trevor Nix and Andrew Susky sang several songs, including Superchick's "Stand in the Rain" and "I Will Remember You."

"Stand in the Rain" addresses how turning to God, rather than running from Him, lends strength during trying times.

Benton Mayor Rick Holland said he's proud of the Mayor's Youth Council's efforts to alert peers about teen-dating violence. It's not a pleasant topic, but must be addressed, he said.

Candice Chandler, a Mayor's Youth Council teen-dating violence program chairman, said it's vital to build awareness of teen-dating violence.

Youth council member Katy Stracener said domestic violence is a particularly serious problem for the age group 16-24.

Janet Smith, mother of a domestic violence victim Brandy Yvette Wallace, told of her daughter's final days prior to her murder.

"Children are often caught in the middle of domestic violence," Smith said. Her daughter hesitated leaving her abusive husband, thinking it would be best for the children to stay.

Smith urged bail to be denied for capital-murder suspects.

Suspects are entitled to bail, unless a judge determines the suspect is a flight risk.

"Timothy Wallace ran to Canada to escape the death penalty," Smith said.

Canada prohibits the death penalty, and refused extradition unless Arkansas promised to waive the death penalty.

A jury found Wallace guilty, and he received two life terms. "An empty victory - yes, an empty victory," Smith said. "Which life sentence will he not serve?"

Other domestic violence survivors told of their experience.

Evonda Wingfield told of being married 13 years to an abusive man she'd met in church. The abuse culminated with her husband sticking a gun in her mouth.

She finally left for safety last November. "If it had not been for Safe Haven, I would not have had the strength to leave the vicious cycle," she said.

White thanked Wingfield for telling her story, saying it's the first time she's spoken publicly about it.

Gwyn Burns read diary entries reflecting stages of her life. Mixed feelings were expressed in earlier entries, followed by gratitude for having the courage to leave the abuse.

Benton Future Panther Titan Cheerleaders performed a dance and a cheer.

Jolene Armstrong said other Saline County victims who have died in the past decade are Kiva M. Corwin, Carolyn King, Barbara Scroggins, Sherri Vannoi, Deloris Jane Cole, Jacquelyn Kay Landreth Rusher, Ann Perry, Alice Woodall, Jeanette Pruitt and Jessica Morgan.

Saline County state Reps. Lamont Cornwell and Dawn Creekmore and state Sen. Shane Broadway presented a $30,000 appropriation from the House's general improvement funds. The House earmarked money for helping domestic violence centers, Cornwell said.

Mary Lou Smith, president of Safe Haven's board of directors, accepted the gift.

Porter said the appropriation will allow the shelter to enhance its program and spend money with less worry.

"It will make us feel comfortable about spending money and help us pay for basics like utilities and other expenses like refurnishing the shelter." She said the funds will be used during the next two years.

Saline County victims advocate Ken Ogden said the vigil honors slain victims and informs the public of available help.

For more information, call Safe Haven at 315-SAFE (7233), or visit www.safehaven. org.

Helping bring victims to life were two exhibits at the vigil, Arkansas Clothesline Project and Silent Witness Project. Both are sponsored by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence.