Channel 9 speaks with domestic violence survivor in wake of murder-suicide

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A mother had said in court in January that she had tried to escape her violent marriage, but in recent days was killed by her husband, who then killed their children and himself, deputies said.
 
Channel 9 spoke with a domestic violence survivor about how the tragic case of Chericia Brown and her children is impacting women who deal with domestic abuse.
 
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety and to protect her privacy, said she suffered a broken arm, nose and finger, and was sexually assaulted throughout her seven-year marriage.
 
The woman is a victim's advocate at a local shelter and helps others escape abuse. She said her job has been especially difficult this week.
 
"People are in shock, people are sad (and) feelings are all over the place," she said.
 
She said her agency's hotline has seen a spike in calls this week with many women calling in tears and talking about Brown's murder.
 
"They're asking, 'Did you hear what happened? Say this happens to me?' We're just doing a lot of support talk and crisis counseling over the phone," she said.
 
The woman said she's personally reached out to survivors with injunctions to make sure they're OK and review safety plans. She said Brown's murder could deter some women from leaving their abusers.
 
"Yes, this did happen, but there are still tools that can keep you safe. There is hope and I just ask you to reach out and let someone know what you're going through," the woman said.

To view a list of shelters in the area, click here.

To contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-500-1119.

Cox Media Group