Local organization shares advice on how to help domestic violence victims
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee woman was fatally shot on a milestone birthday. Now, her husband is behind bars in what is the 15th domestic violence-related homicide in Milwaukee County this year.
In the latest case, a witness told police she heard two people arguing as a man was leaning into a woman's car on the east side - the witness heard the woman say she has recordings of how he treats her. Then, a single gunshot took her life.
Family members are devastated. They tell us the woman driving that grey Toyota, 60-year-old Jacqueline Beason, was a pure saint, a great mother, sister and grandmother.
Milwaukee police also believe domestic violence killed a 41-year-old mother last month. Tomitka Stewart's husband, Jerrod Stewart, faces charges after she was stabbed multiple times and left for dead in the trunk of a car.
The ultimate nightmare, now playing out for both families. Sojourner Family Peace Center encourages anyone being hurt to reach out.
"Some people might need to go to shelter which is a very difficult decision. Some people might need a restraining order. Some people might just need support, counseling," said Carmen Pitre, President & CEO, Sojourner Family Peace Center.
If you're the support person for someone who's being abused, you might wonder how best to help. You might be inclined to press them to leave, but Pitre says a better approach is to let them decide while also putting a safety plan in place.
"I think the number one thing we say is believe people. Say to that person ''I might not know what the answer is, but I'm committed to walking with you to find the right solution for you," said Pitre.
The criminal complaint says Jacqueline Beason was shot by her husband right after she left a salon near Cass and Kilbourn on her 60th birthday. Her husband, Timothy Darnell Lewis, told police he "had arranged for his wife to have a massage and pedicure. He said that he had driven to the area where his wife was having the massage and was in his car when she came out of the salon. He said that 'he just lost it right there.'" The couple had filed for divorce in 2022, but court records show the filing was dismissed last June and the case closed.
Advocates say be cautious when dealing with someone exhibiting the following signs.
"Controlling behavior, controlling finances, controlling where you go, when you go, who you can see, what you wear. Not allowing you to see family members or friends, unexplained injuries," said Pitre.
Sojourner's says family and friends can also call their hotline for advice. The number is 414-933-2722. The emergency text line is 414-877-8100. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word "start" to 88788.