Courage Network

Sherri Jackson was a beautiful woman, caught in a net, with no where to run. Too embarrassed and ashamed to ask for help from others, she tried to get out, to get away. Decarlo Bennett killed her, buried her in the backyard of his mother’s house and for 19 months hid her from everyone who loved her. As part of a plea bargain, Bennett agreed to tell the District Attorney's office where he buried Sherri's body. He was summoned to confess the location of where police could find Sherri’s remains. Her remains were recovered on June 26, 2008 about 1:30pm, in the backyard of her estranged boyfriend's home. She was 27 years old and had a whole life ahead of her. www.sherridenesejacksonfoundation.org

Light a candle in memory of someone you have lost to domestic violence. Click on the candle.

Tiana was a beautiful person (inside and out). Being an inspiration to many she lived a full life and loved her family dearly. After accomplishing so many things Tiana still wanted to go beyond her current achievements. Despite the fact that she had a two page resume and she was only 12 credits shy of receiving her Masters degree, she was already very successful. While taking courses at night Ms. Notice worked a full time job at Post University in Waterbury, CT during the day.

Her dreams and aspirations were notable. Tiana wanted to pursue a law degree and eventually obtain a Ph.D. Clever is an understatement, she was absolutely brilliant!

Her smile, intelligence, compassion, personality, confidence, beauty, faith, and her grace are just a few of the qualities that she will be remembered for. Many people near and far were touched by her love and her warm spirit. She was a God fearing woman and without a doubt she loved the Lord. She stood on his word and was often heard saying, “God is good.” One thing no one could question was her love for God.

She is respected amongst her peers, loved ones, and people that she had never met.

At the hands of domestic violence Tiana died tragically at the age of 25 just ten days after her birthday. She was a straight A student and former Massachusetts resident.

Tiana's family is now  doing everything they can to aid her case and make sure that she receives justice.  www.tiananoticefoundation.org

Siobhan “Shev” Louise Russell was a born leader. She was a joyful baby, with a determination to get up, and get going. She walked early, and talked early. As soon as she could walk, she danced. As soon as she talked, she sang. Siobhan was loving, generous and free-spirited. If she could help you, she was happy. She was a unique person, and did not want to follow the crowd, but to be herself, and to be accepted for who she was. She expressed herself through art, music, color (especially her hair!) and creative writing. Shev was a ‘straight A’ student. Concepts came easily to her.

Difficulties in her abusive relationship caused her grades to plummet, for her to become isolated from family and friends, and eventually to drop out of  high school just months before graduating.

Following a ‘revelation’ on a beach one day, Shev began putting her life back together. In February 2009, she graduated from an amazing, alternative high school, Mountain View. She graduated with honors and a scholarship. She was invited to be a student speaker, and spoke with hope and excitement for her future. It was, she said, The Happiest Day of My Life.

Shev was heading to college, writing a novel, and working double shifts as a waitress to make her dream of becoming a psychologist come true. She did not know she had only nine weeks to live following her triumphant speech.

On Easter Sunday, April 12 2009, Shev made a visit to the home of  her abuser, her ex-boyfriend. She did not come out alive. Inside, shaded from a beautiful spring day, he brutally, and deliberately murdered her. She was 19 ½ years young. http://www.datingabusestopshere.com/Shevs_story.html