ROCK ISLAND, Illinois— Domestic violence is a silent killer. Stats show it touches one out of four U.S. women. And in the Quad Cities, there have been many painful cases. One reason why the GFWC Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs is speaking out.
When Wanda Weldy's battered body turned up dead on a Davenport street in January, it brought home a tragic message about domestic violence.
"Every time I saw my sister, which was rarely, she always had black eyes and bruises," recalled her brother Don Harvey.
Inside a vigil for domestic violence awareness in Rock Island on Saturday, JoDee Kaufmann came to share her life story. It's one filled with abuse and deadly situations.
"Often our families become discouraged with us and begin to think that they've left us when actually we're just trying to hide," she said.
Kaufmann found refuge with Christian Care and is now helping others.
"Overwhelmingly, the majority of victims of domestic violence are women," said David VanLandegen, director of court services for Rock Island County.
At the vigil, participants held candle lights and learned about the horrors and heartbreaks of such abuse.
"Men need to step up and say, no more," he continued.
"It is a family issue," added Sue Swisher, Child Abuse Council. "Kids are impacted by domestic violence, sometimes very seriously."
JoDee's life experience is a painful reminder of domestic violence, and her long road emerging as a survivor.
"Today it's a much deeper subject that some people never really want to face or hear," she said.
But from a snowy street in Davenport, a subject that hits all too close to home for Wanda Weldy's family.
"The only thing I can say is my daughter is at peace," Chery Millage said. "They can't hurt her any more."
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