I remember the first time I met Judi Flannery as a new police reporter at the Chronicle-Tribune.
A Life Changing Decision
I remember the passion she displayed and the way she knew how to convince you that you were a valuable asset in the war against domestic violence.
I knew as a reporter I needed to separate myself from the day to day victim work, but I also knew by covering the issue I could bring awareness to a subject that 20 plus years ago was not readily discussed.
So, I carefully navigated ethical boundaries and worked to report as often as possible about domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking.
As time went on however I found that reporting about the issue just wasn’t enough, so when the opportunity arose in March 1994, I accepted what has proven to be a life changing decision when I became director of Hands of Hope, formerly Women’s Services.
Twenty years later I continue to believe that I made the right decision. I know there is still much work to be done to eradicate domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking in my community. And I still passionately believe as Judi Flannery once did, that I can make a difference around this crime.
But I also know that I can not do this alone. I know that it will take everyone in this community to take what can be a secretive crime and bring it into the light.
Our goal must be to create a community where domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking are not tolerated.
And, in order to accomplish that lofty goal, I need everyone to take a stand.
I realize not everyone will be called to work intimately in domestic violence prevention or intervention, but I would implore anyone who is reading this post to take a look at your own life and make sure first that you are living a non-violent life with a non-violent attitude and approach. I would ask that you are modeling healthy attitudes and interactions with your family, your friends, your co-workers and even strangers you meet in your day to day living.
And I would ask that everyone EXPECT RESPECT. I would ask that in addition to expecting respect, you GIVE IT, GET IT and LIVE IT so that when my three daughters are adults, they will see a community that embraces healthy, respectful relationships and has zero tolerance for anything violent.
