Politics & Government
October is 'Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month' in Renton
Last May Lindbergh High School student Jessica Scholl died as the result of domestic violence. Her mother Stephanie, and aunt Shannon Harvey thanked the City Monday night for its support and professionalism during the investigation.
Domestic violence affects womenand men young and old, and its victims often remain silent out of shame and fear, or lack of education about the resources available to those suffering at the hands of so-called ‘loved ones.’
The violent murder of Jessica Scholl, a 17-year-old Lindbergh High School student, rocketed domestic violence awareness to the forefront of the Renton community last May after to ex-boyfriend Jarod Lane killed Scholl and then lit her family’s home on fire. He was later arrested in Oklahoma and remains in jail on charges of murder and arson in the first degree.
Now the Scholl family is working in conjunction with the City, Renton School District and Domestic Abuse Woman’s Network (DAWN) to educate high school students about how to recognize, avoid, and leave abusive relationships.
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“Education is the way to stop this type of tragedy from happening in the future,” said Jessica’s aunt Shannon Harvey.
This has been extremely difficult on the family, she said, before thanking the City, investigators, police, and fire departments for their support, respect and professionalism during the investigation.
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“Thank you for remembering that she was not just a victim, but someone who was loved,” Harvey said.
Renton Mayor Denis Law presented the City’s ‘Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month’ proclamation to the Stephanie Scholl, mother of Jessica Scholl, a 17-year-old Lindbergh High School student who was the victim of domestic violence; Shannon Harvey, Jessica’s aunt; Pastor Kenneth Colman a member of Men Against Domestic Violence; and Tina Harris, a victim advocate with the Renton Police Department.
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