Local Family Focused on Fighting Domestic Violence This Holiday Season
By: Maria Chandler WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: December 22, 2011
MACKINAW--One of every four people you come across could be covering up a shocking secret.
That's how many people who fall victim to domestic abuse.
And during the holiday season, they're keeping quiet.
But one local family is focused on fighting back.
Hundreds of ornaments are hanging in Mackinaw's Veteran's Park.
But they're meant to do a lot more than decorate.
"Christmas is her favorite time of year. We wanted, as a family, we didn't know we were really gonna celebrate," explains Jean Cohoon.
Cohoon hung these strings of purple.
Her daughter MeLisa Cleary was murdered by her husband, Daniel Cleary, in 2008.
"People say OK, now that he's in jail there's closure. Well there's never gonna be closure," explains Cohoon.
There may be pain behind these ornaments...
"I don't want it to go away," says Cohoon.
Because each one is bringing awareness to domestic violence.
It's a way to remember MeLisa during a time when most victims fall silent.
"During the holiday season, most of our victims are trying to keep peace in their families, trying to keep things as normal as possible so they can have the picture perfect Christmas we all want," explains Sara Dillefeld, Director of Domestic Violence Family-Centered Services at Peoria's Center for Prevention of Abuse.
Those who deal with domestic violence on a daily basis say it's an issue other people need to think of, too.
"Domestic violence happens 365 days. It's not just around the holidays when there's extra stress and people might be aware of it," explains Dillefeld.
Because if someone speaks up, they could be the saving grace that helps keep a family together.
"Lisa didn't call for help. She didn't think she could, didn't feel safe enough. Didn't feel like she would get help. But you can call for help. There is help out there. There is a way out," explains Cohoon.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, there's help.
Click here to learn more.
People bought ornaments for a dollar and jean painted names on them.
Proceeds will go to the Center for Prevention of Abuse.
Orders are already being taken for next year.
Here's the address for ornaments:
MeLisa Dee Day
c/o Jean Cohoon
P.O. Box 252
Deer Creek, IL 61733
That's how many people who fall victim to domestic abuse.
And during the holiday season, they're keeping quiet.
But one local family is focused on fighting back.
Hundreds of ornaments are hanging in Mackinaw's Veteran's Park.
But they're meant to do a lot more than decorate.
"Christmas is her favorite time of year. We wanted, as a family, we didn't know we were really gonna celebrate," explains Jean Cohoon.
Cohoon hung these strings of purple.
Her daughter MeLisa Cleary was murdered by her husband, Daniel Cleary, in 2008.
"People say OK, now that he's in jail there's closure. Well there's never gonna be closure," explains Cohoon.
There may be pain behind these ornaments...
"I don't want it to go away," says Cohoon.
Because each one is bringing awareness to domestic violence.
It's a way to remember MeLisa during a time when most victims fall silent.
"During the holiday season, most of our victims are trying to keep peace in their families, trying to keep things as normal as possible so they can have the picture perfect Christmas we all want," explains Sara Dillefeld, Director of Domestic Violence Family-Centered Services at Peoria's Center for Prevention of Abuse.
Those who deal with domestic violence on a daily basis say it's an issue other people need to think of, too.
"Domestic violence happens 365 days. It's not just around the holidays when there's extra stress and people might be aware of it," explains Dillefeld.
Because if someone speaks up, they could be the saving grace that helps keep a family together.
"Lisa didn't call for help. She didn't think she could, didn't feel safe enough. Didn't feel like she would get help. But you can call for help. There is help out there. There is a way out," explains Cohoon.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, there's help.
Click here to learn more.
People bought ornaments for a dollar and jean painted names on them.
Proceeds will go to the Center for Prevention of Abuse.
Orders are already being taken for next year.
Here's the address for ornaments:
MeLisa Dee Day
c/o Jean Cohoon
P.O. Box 252
Deer Creek, IL 61733
