Are You A Victim Of Domestic Violence?
Join Cheryl Adams on "The Morning Wake Up" on 100.1 and 103.3 WUPE FM or online at wupe.com, Wednesday, July 17th as we have Deborah Parkington, Director of Programs, and Donna Larocque, Money School Facilitator and Volunteer Engagement, Coordinator from The Elizabeth Freeman Center in the studio with us at 8:30 A.M. to talk on the subject of domestic violence.
After what happened in North Adams, According to the district attorney's office. Michael Cook Sr., 42, of Chase Avenue was arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on single counts of assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and assault and battery on a family or household member.
Iberkshires reported that: Police say cooks wife is in critical condition in intensive care after suffering a skull fracture and placed in a coma.
And Court records show this was not his first time, Cook has a history of domestic violence.
In 2015, he was charged with assault and battery after allegedly assaulting his wife. That case was dismissed. In 2016, his wife had filed for a restraining order against him, claiming he assaulted her multiple times and mentally abused her.
First, what is considered domestic violence?
Domestic violence also called “partner abuse” is a pattern of abusive behavior one person uses in a relationship to control, humiliate, and hurt another person. It can be emotional, sexual, financial, physical, or about your identity.
After posting the story of Cook being charged with attempted murder. The Elizabeth Freeman Center Posted this which I hope that if you need help you reach out.
Domestic violence homicides rarely happen in isolation; they are proceeded by financial, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, threats, violence towards pets, stalking, restraining orders (when granted), child custody battles, and in many cases could be prevented with appropriate interventions.
A 2017 study conducted by the CDC suggested that half of all female murder victims were killed by their intimate partners--- people that were supposed to love, protect, and cherish them. If you aren't safe at home, then where ARE you safe?
Domestic violence needs to be treated like the serious public health epidemic that it is.
Our thoughts are with the victim's family during this impossibly difficult time. Her condition was listed as life-threatening, and we can only hope that she begins to show quick improvement.
If you or someone you know needs help or to talk, call the Elizabeth Freeman Center's 24/7 hotline at 1-866-401-2425.
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