By Andrea Thomas
Managing Editor
At age 20, Debbie Norris' daughter, Heather, was murdered by her estranged high school boyfriend in 2007 in Indianapolis.
Since that time, Norris has sought to educate students and parents about the reality of teen dating violence, using Heather's voice and story to raise awareness.
From 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, Norris will speak at Rock Point Church, 439 W. 150 S. in Crawfordsville, an event that coincides with Dating Violence Awareness Month. The talk, sponsored by the Family Crisis Shelter, Inc., will also acknowledge the 51 victims who were killed last year in Indiana due to domestic violence.
Norris said she believes there is a stereotype that domestic violence is something that happens only to adults.
"But it starts some place," she said Monday. "If kids are educated early enough, it may not happen to them because they'll be aware of the signs."
Norris said several individuals have told her they did not know they were in abusive relationships prior to hearing her speak.
"Some think that when they're dating and they get hit, they hear 'I'm sorry' and 'It won't happen again,' and believe it's the truth," she said. "But it's not. It's going to happen again if you allow it the first time."
"It hurts me (to speak about Heather). It's very painful, emotional and it drains me to talk to these students, but when I leave and I see the response and how much they appreciate me coming in and opening their eyes, it's worth it."
It also gives her daughter's life, and death, meaning.
"At one point, Heather had walked into my living room and said, 'I believe I was put on this Earth to help people,'" Norris recalled. "That's never left me. This is Heather helping people. I know this is what Heather would want, not to have anyone else go through what she has gone through. I believe Heather made me a wiser person, by her wisdom, patience and understanding, and I'm nothing more than Heather's voice."
A food and toiletry donation drive will also be collected at the door. Proceeds will go to the Family Crisis Shelter.
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