May Letter to the Editor
The Kaua`i Commission on the Status of Women, Kaua`i Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force, YWCA of Kaua`i, Zonta Club of Hanalei and Zonta Club of Kaua`i have joined our collective voices to call for an end to domestic violence in our community. It would be a mistake to state that females are the only victims of DV, men are also victims of domestic violence and deserve the same support services and justice as women and girls. However, it remains a simple truth that women and girls are without question the primary victims of domestic violence by an overwhelming margin. In fact, every five days a woman loses her life due to domestic violence.
On Kaua`i, the YWCA’s domestic violence hotline receives an average of 600 calls every year with over 120 adults and children seeking emergency shelter after fleeing unsafe homes. While DV related murders are not as common on Kaua`i, our community has suffered the loss of many women throughout the years. On Kaua`i, women have been strangled, set on fire, shot in front of children and stabbed to death by their abusers. These women were beloved daughters, mothers, friends, peers, granddaughters, etc. Each death is a tremendous loss which is felt for years by the families and friends who loved them. Each victim’s lives is priceless. We cannot accept excuses for domestic violence; it will not end by ignoring abusive behavior, dismissing DV as “personal matters” or blaming the victims.
In order to end domestic violence, our entire community has to work together. Join the rising voices calling for full accountability for domestic violence perpetrators. Be another voice calling for maximum sentencing in DV cases, especially when a life is taken. Each victim’s life is priceless; they and their families deserve justice. You can also participate in community events and awareness efforts. Help a neighbor, friend or family member who is experiencing domestic violence or has been sexually assaulted. Intervene by calling the police if you witness domestic violence or hear it happening next door. Call the 24-hour crisis line 245-6362 for help or more information.
Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh, executive director, YWCA Kauai with the Board and Staff of the YWCA Zonta Club of Kauai, Zonta Club of Hanalei Kauai DV Prevention Task Force, and County of Kauai Committee on the Status of Women
Call to voters
I mahalo the woman’s caucus for two meetings to meet your council and a meeting scheduled at Kilauea School on May 30, evening 5-8:15 p.m.
Exciting interactives, but I’m concerned that debate might be a thing of the past, so I hope to generate voters to hold meetings around the island.
In this day of disaster we really need to look hard at the current and past admins that have culminated into intrinsically amoral noncaring, lining pocket moguls. I will never lie, nor lead you astray. Mahalo for return info responses.
Debra Kekaualua, Kapaa
