A Week of Many Emotions

Tough week for our family. September 1 was eight years since Lisa's death. Lots of sweet memories of her seemed to fill my heart and mind and that's a blessing. She was such a fun child. She was always happy, brave and poised to help her siblings. She loved to bake and was the designated family cookie/cake maker. But her life was cut short and we miss her.

There are many things to look forward to for Fix the Hurt. We have met some very well-connected and forward looking people, who will help to raise awareness and bring to light many of the misconceptions about domestic violence through their sense of our mission.

Travel reservations are confirmed and we are looking forward to the upcoming performances of "Domestic Violence, The Musical?" in several military bases/posts in the U.S. and Japan. Also looking forward to going to El Paso this month for the TVSA conference - Tortilla Soup for the Advocates Soul. September also holds the Pinal County DV Conference and Karma Cups. Speaking of Karma Cups, daughter, Lindsey, has an entry for the bra decorating contest. I think she is quite clever. Here is what she wrote to go with her entry.

"Much time and thought went into what I wanted my bra entry to represent. First and foremost, I wanted it to be a message of hope and better things to come.
Finally Free describes my sister, Lisa. Lisa’s life came to a tragic end eight years ago, but, as I said when I spoke to her abuser in the courtroom: “You took away my best friend, she was all that I had, and now she is gone. But she is better off, because you cannot hurt her any more. She is finally free.”
To all those women who are still in an abusive relationship, I say, “Free yourselves” from the chains of abuse. The purple skirt says to “gather up” your courage and strength and move forward. The bling and sequins are symbolic of a rich future in store for you as a survivor . Butterflies are beautiful and remind us of the freedom to move about, make choices and find your own place in the wide, wonderful world. Everyone loves butterflies and you are loveable and beautiful. Obviously purple is the color that symbolizes healing.
So, let us join together (back hooks) and spread the word that we are here to support and lift each other."

Lindsey King Robles

Another exciting new venture is our continuing rehearsals for the new play, "Total Control" (maybe - still toying with titles). We are enjoying working with our director, David Barker, and pleased with the progress we have made so far. Hopefully, we will be ready to offer this performance by January 2010. Also working on the teen dating musical, "I Have This Friend". Very happy to have met with Keely Bamberg, a very talented young woman who owns StrateGente. We hope to very soon be working with Keely on a strategic plan for Fix the Hurt.

Well, this is just kind of an update on what is going on with Fix the Hurt.

Prevention and Education

We continue to see the effects of the stress in our society on Domestic Violence.
In the past11 days here in Maricopa County, there have been 9 deaths due to domestic violence. Of the 9 cases two were children. How sad it is that a spouse will be abused by a partner, even sadder when a spouse dies from that abuse, but when it is an innocent child, it breaks your heart and reflects how messed up people can get in a relationship.


Police: Argument sparked fatal stabbing in Glendale


Domestic-violence reports up amid recession
Lynh Bui - May. 19, 2009 04:46 PM The Arizona Republic

Just an example of the dire need for prevention of Domestic Violence! These 9 people never got the chance to take advantage of a shelter that most funding groups say is the only thing they will fund. How blessed would have been the life of those 9, if they had had a good prevention program working in their neighborhood. Someone to help them put a safety plan into action, someone to support them in their escape, someone to help them recognize the danger, and someone to bolster their courage to get to safety. All of this takes training, awareness, commitment and that plan does not happen without someone willing to commit the funds to educate the community.


Youngtown murder suspect found hanged in roadway
by Phoebe Volk - Jun. 5, 2009 02:49 PM

The Arizona Republic

But alas, all of the funds, which have been limited or cut by our state government, went to food clothing, beds and roofs that will never help these people. It makes one ask, could “funeral costs” possibly be considered services by the funding agency?



Laurie Roberts :Enduring abuse can be a fatal mistake
On April 28, a Glendale judge dismissed misdemeanor charges against Michael Brian Miller, who had been accused of hitting his wife. Thirty two days later, she was dead.

We at Fix the Hurt, will not retreat in our effort to get funding institutions to recognize that shelters are not the front line prevention. Shelters are badly needed and always will be, but they are after the fact. The abuse has already occurred!


John Says: Don’t corner something that you know is meaner than you!

On an encouraging note:

The Commanding Officer of Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas has the foresight to see the need for domestic violence education for his airmen. We received confirmation today that Sheppard AFB will sponsor "Domestic Violence, The Musical?" on October 16, 2009. I have been corresponding with Tricia Kennedy for several weeks now. She has been committed to bringing this education to the airmen, their families.


The Marine Air Station in Iwakuni Japan is working to bring DVTM to their soldiers and families in October.