Killing Spree at the Spa
Brookfield shooting another case of domestic violence
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Melissa McCrady reports. Video by tmj4.com
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BROOKFIELD - Domestic violence is an ongoing battle in America, including Southeastern Wisconsin, and the mass shooting in Brookfield could make things even harder in the battle to eradicate it.
Sojourner Family Peace Center says the killing of Zina Haughton by her estranged husband Radcliffe (according to TODAY'S TMJ4 sources) is the seventh domestic violence-related death in metropolitan Milwaukee this year.
Three other people, including Radcliffe, were found shot and killed at the scene. Four others were injured.
Police say it stemmed from domestic violence.
"This is the case we're always working to prevent because we know it's always possible," said Carmen Pitre, the executive director of Sojourner Family Peace Center.
"Thousands of women like her are doing all they can to keep themselves safe, and sometimes the person still ends up hurting them."
The statistics are startling.
Pitre said that 19,000 calls come in to the Sojourner Family Peace Center Hotline every year, and they see 10,000 victims in person, sometimes on multiple occasions.
"It's very prevalent. Most of it goes unreported," explained Pitre.
She says a mass shooting like this often makes it harder for victims of domestic violence to come forward.
"I absolutely know there are women sitting at home thinking 'I can't leave,' and I know there are perpetrators who are saying, 'See, I'm going to do that to you.' "
Organizations like Sojourner Family Peace Center want people to know the community is here for them.
"There is help. I know you're afraid. Reach out. We can protect you."
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