Article: Domestic violence epidemic in Kern County

Published: 9/26 6:17 pm
Updated: 9/26 7:23 pm
Throughout the year, local law enforcement responds to
thousands of domestic violence calls. So far this year, four
people in Kern County have died from domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Month and a a
local woman is using her tragic experience to encourage others
to break the cycle.
A Bakersfield family had its world turned upside down this
summer when Tabasha Criado and her four children were
murdered in Medford, Oregon. "Her husband killed her, stabbed
her, stabbed the children and then set the house on fire, and
then tried to kill himself as well, but was not successful," said
Evelyn Young, Criado's Great Aunt.
Criado grew up in Bakersfield. Young says Criado's husband, a
convicted sex offender, was controlling. Criado stayed in the marriage which eventually cost her, her life and the lives of of
her children.
"People don't talk about it. It's something that's hidden, kept secret behind doors. There's an element of shame, fear, a
great fear. But it's something that we need to have a very frank community conversation about," continued Young.
Young will touch on the tragedy Tuesday, September 27th at the kick off event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault has dedicated the month to the family of Tabasha Criado.
Domestic violence is an epidemic in Kern County. It is a problem that is under-reported.
"The individuals who are out there who may not know or understand how to stop the cycles. We want to get that
information out there to them because what we do know in this job is that knowledge is power." said Taniel Green-Wood,
a counselor with the Alliance.
The Alliance dedicates the month of October to reaching out to victims who may be too scared to speak for themselves.
"We all think that it's something that happens in someone else's home. Whether it's your sister or a co-worker, it effects
us all and we all need to know that we play a part in combating this," continued Green-Wood.
Evelyn Young will be speaking at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 27th at 1300 17th Street in downtown Bakersfield.