Never Forget Ka’Sandra Wade

Today we will take a moment of silence and observe a cyber vigil to remember the first fatality victim of domestic violence in 2013 , Ka’Sandra Wade.

I don’t know about all of you, but this news is tremendously upsetting to me. I cannot believe that in 2013 women still need to live in fear of an abusive partner. Although, just like everyone else, I do not know what the solution to the problem should be, but I am outraged, nonetheless! By all accounts, Ka’Sandra was attempting to move on with her life, free from the abuse she suffered at the hands of this monster. So often when a woman suffers from abuse at the hands of a lover, we are quick to say, “why didn’t she just leave him?”, “Why would she stay with him?”, “why didn’t she call the police?”. Sadly this is another of those crimes where society tends to place some of the blame on the victim. Well I say let’s STOP placing any blame on victims and start giving these perpetrators harsher punishments BEFORE they have a chance to commit such horrific crimes. Ka’Sandra did everthing that she could. She got away from this idiot, she attempted to move on, she still suffered the ultimate price!! As women we need to rally around victims of domestic violence and empower ourselves, and apparently take our own safety into our own hands.

I propose that in memory of Ka’Sandra Wade, we all get involved in local chapters of support for domestic violence victims. Let’s vow to not let Ka’Sandra’s death be in vain. Volunteer your time to help these women and their families, take a self defense class, get involved, and help be a part of the solution to this disgusting crime.

*What will your commitment to this cause be?

*How will you get involved?

*How will you honor Ka’Sandra Wade’s name?

We want to hear your ideas and your stories. Share by replying to this blog, on our facebook page Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents or on Twitter @PghLesbian24 under #RememberHerName.

A fund has been set up for Zaire, Ka’Sandra’s son – donations can be sent to made payable to Sharon Jordan to this address: Sharon Jordan, c/o ACTION United, 5907 Penn Ave, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Sharon is Ka’Sandra’s mother and she is now raising Zaire. You can also make a donation to the Zaire Brown Trust Fund at any branch of PNC.The family may have other needs – please contact ACTION United if you would like to help. The number is 412-567-7275.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, Don’t wait until it’s too late.

*Information on domestic violence and resources from the Women Center & Shelter of Pittsburgh and The Center for Victims

*National Domestic Hotline 800-612-HOPE(4673)