Demarquis Johnson: Domestic violence affects all of us

Domestic Violence affects all of us men, women and children. No one is exempt. Statistics show that 1 out of 5 teenage girls will experience some form of domestic violence. This means it is almost certain a young person that you know — daughter, niece, or neighbor — will be domestically abused. Heartbreaking, right?

In our society we are drawn to dysfunctional behavior, viewing it as entertainment. As seen and glorified by shows like, Bravo’s “Housewives” series, and MTV’s “Jersey Shore” and “The Real World.” We have to all wake up and do something to make a change.

Around the world, at least 1 in 3 women have been abused, beaten or coerced into sex in her lifetime. Most often, the abuser being a member of her family. Visit domestiicviolencestatistics.org for more statistics.

Here in Central Florida over the past few months we have awaken to horrific stories of domestic violence nearly every week, most of which ending in brutal deaths. Even though we hear the stories, and see the images and the aftermath, we still exempt ourselves. No way it could happen to me. Domestic violence will not affect my life. If you feel this way you are wrong.

Just a few short weeks ago Carlene Pierre was the intended target of her estranged boyfriend, Michael Polyniece, however her co-worker was also killed in the midst of his rage. And last month, Sept. 19, at a Debary Burger King, Heidi Shelmire of Deltona was shot and killed by her ex boyfriend Jesus Morales. Both shootings were cases of domestic violence, yet public matters. Think about it, you could have been checking in with your family at the West Gate Resort on that day Carlene Pierre was shot. Before work on that Wednesday morning of Sept. 19 you could have been at that Burger King in Debary drinking coffee and enjoying croissant.

Many say, “Well why don’t the victims of domestic violence just get out of the relationship? Move on. Domestic violence is not my problem.” If you noticed the two victims mentioned above were both ex-girlfriends of their shooters. Both were killed here in Central Florida while at work. Meaning for one, they had moved on from their troubled relationships. And two, the problem is everyone’s. They both were killed in public places leaving us all in harms way. This attitude of “it is not my problem” has to stop. In these two cases and countless others, even the law does nothing to protect victims of domestic violence. Filing a restraining order is what law enforcement recommends for victims of domestic violence. A restraining order is weaker than a parking ticket, leaving many domestic violence victims, and at times innocent bystanders, dead. For all of our safety, we all have to speak up. Laws need to be changed regarding domestic violence and restraining orders. Stern penalties, fines and even possible jail time needs to accompany restraining orders for domestic violence threats.

-Demarquis Johnson

Twitter: @demarquis81

[email protected]

If you or someone you know is in danger or needs help please contact Harbor House Crisis Hotline at 407-886-2856.