On the evening of February 13th, 31 year old Summer Fuller was murdered, allegedly by her boyfriend. Family and friends of Summer later gathered for a vigil in her memory outside of Glam Boutique Salon where Summer worked. Summer’s best friend of 17 years, Taylor, honored her memory wearing a sweatshirt with Summers photo. Novita Fuller spoke about her niece at the vigil, Summers mother Yvette Fuller consoled her sister with an embrace. Charles Willis lead the vigil saying prayers for Summer throughout the evening.
Amongst the memories shared of Summer’s life many loved ones spoke about the issue of domestic violence.
According to statistics published by the National Coalition Against Domestic violence 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. In 2018, partner violence accounted for 20% of all violent crime. 1 in 2 female murder victims victims are killed by intimate partners.
Domestic violence touches every community, and can affect anyone regardless of age, socio- economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
If you are in crisis, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a resource. Contact at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or www.TheHotline.org.
DomesticShelters.org is an online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence.
Helping Survivors is an advocacy center which works to assist anyone who has been victimized by sexual assault or abuse. They offer a compilation of information around different instances of sexual violence and offer resources to assist survivors and their families. They are continuously adding more.
See published images and read more in Richmond Free Press| March 2-4, 2023 Issue - A2
