Episode 69: A Survivor

The Donna Yaklich Story

Why did she stay? She could’ve just left. What was she thinking? She’s better off without him. I would never put myself in that situation. We hear this all the time when it comes to a person trapped in an abusive relationship by force, manipulation, and control. Unless it has happened to you or a loved one you will never truly understand the isolation a domestic violence victim endures. So today I am switching it up because the quote unquote criminal is in fact the victim in this case.

Conjure Tip of The Week

Domestic Violence is first and foremost extremely scary for the victim but it also affects everyone who loves them. I want to share with you some ways to support a peer in a DV situation without putting yourself in danger:

• First of all acknowledge that their situation is difficult, scary, and brave of them to regain control from.

• Do not judge their decisions and refuse to criticize them or guilt them over a choice they make. They’re mentally drained!

• This one’s thought but remember that you cannot “rescue them,” and that decisions about their lives are up to them to make or not make.

• However you could help them create a safety plan.

Please encourage them to report any abuse even if they don't want to press charges. You could end up saving a DV victims life just by believing them, supporting them, and guiding them.

Ep. 69 Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NytdaZ8MmE

https://murderpedia.org/female.Y/y/yaklich-donna.htm

https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/woman-who-hired-hitmen-to-kill-her-husband-closer-to-parole/73-338980422

https://www.denverpost.com/2009/07/14/yaklich-closer-to-parole-in-cop-husbands-slaying-in-pueblo/