Celebration of life for Warren victim of deadly domestic violence
Warren Family Mission will remember Jessica Crowder, who was killed allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend last month.
Crowder will be remembered Friday with a special
WARREN, Ohio - Jessica Crowder was a familiar face volunteering to pass out produce at the Warren Family Mission on Fridays.
The Mission celebrated her life in a ceremony on Tuesday. In her memory will name it's Friday produce give away the "Warren Family Mission Jessica Crowder Produce Give Away."
Public Relations Director for the Warren Family Mission, Dominic Marrarri said, "Jessica Crowder was a giving person and someone you could count on. She was here for 36 years and she impacted a lot of people's lives and that story can live on."
On June 24, the mother of two children was shot in the head by her boyfriend Roleigh Culver. Her 11 year old daughter called 911 for help. In the background one could hear screaming, then a shot fired. Culver had a history of domestic violence against Crowder and two other women. Crowder's domestic violence protection order against Culver was set to expire in 2020.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 72% of all murder suicides involve an intimate partner. Other statistics show on average women return to an abuser 7 times before finally deciding it's over.
The case highlights the need to end a cycle of violence. Judge Sandra Stabile-Harwood currently handles cases of women who want to drop protection orders in Warren Family Court. In those cases she reviews reasons why and lets women know about help available for a safe place to stay, financial help, and counseling services.
As a lawmaker Stabile-Harwood sponsored the "Tina Croucher Bill," which was named after a teen who had been murdered by her boyfriend. The law which passed in Ohio requires teens in grades 7th through 12 to be taught in health class about appropriate behaviors in relationships and what is unacceptable or abusive behavior in a relationship. The courses are age appropriate and is taught along with an anti-bullying message.
Judge Sandra Stabile Harwood said, "When I got the bill passed the studies showed that education is the only way to break the cycle of violence; education from a very young age.”
“I was working with the National Foundation of Women Legislators. My colleagues and friends took it back to their states to try and get it passed in all 50 states. We got a lot of help from the Liz Claiborne Foundation.”
Judge Harwood, law enforcement officers, and others hope that anyone dealing with domestic violence will reach out for help through Someplace Safe in Warren, and other organizations in each community.
Someplace Safe can be reached by calling (330) 393-3005. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone being abused can call 211 in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, and Mercer counties to find resources available to help.
