YORK, PA -
The murder of a York woman is highlighting the seriousness of domestic violence.
Authorities say Jessica Morales, 33, was killed by Julio Gonzalez-Pagan of Ohio. Neighbors say the two were in a close relationship. They say Morales came to York from Ohio to escape Gonzalez-Pagan's abuse.
"Our hearts go out to the family, it sounds to me like this woman was trying to do what she needed to do to keep herself and her family safe," said Jane Conover, Managing Director of ACCESS York.
Conover says this is the 6th domestic violence death in York County this year. There were 10 in 2008.
"I encourage people to reach out, even if you are not sure, just talk to someone on a hotline and they will be able to help you sort out what the next step should be," said Conover.
Conover and others who work with victims of domestic violence say leaving an abusive relationship can often cause the violence to escalate. They say having a safety plan when leaving is essential.
"If you have the option of leaving when the abuser is not present, that is the first thing you want to be able to do," said Bonnie Glover, Director of Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County.
Also, make sure you have the documents you need to relocate. Keep your new destination anonymous and most important, don't be afraid to ask for help.
"The first thing they need to know is that they are not alone, they should let someone know what is going on, ideally they should contact a domestic violence program," said Glover.
ACCESS York 24 hr Hotline: 717-846-5400 or 1-800-262-8444
Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County 24 hr. Hotline: 717-299-1249
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Authorities say Jessica Morales, 33, was killed by Julio Gonzalez-Pagan of Ohio. Neighbors say the two were in a close relationship. They say Morales came to York from Ohio to escape Gonzalez-Pagan's abuse.
"Our hearts go out to the family, it sounds to me like this woman was trying to do what she needed to do to keep herself and her family safe," said Jane Conover, Managing Director of ACCESS York.
Conover says this is the 6th domestic violence death in York County this year. There were 10 in 2008.
"I encourage people to reach out, even if you are not sure, just talk to someone on a hotline and they will be able to help you sort out what the next step should be," said Conover.
Conover and others who work with victims of domestic violence say leaving an abusive relationship can often cause the violence to escalate. They say having a safety plan when leaving is essential.
"If you have the option of leaving when the abuser is not present, that is the first thing you want to be able to do," said Bonnie Glover, Director of Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County.
Also, make sure you have the documents you need to relocate. Keep your new destination anonymous and most important, don't be afraid to ask for help.
"The first thing they need to know is that they are not alone, they should let someone know what is going on, ideally they should contact a domestic violence program," said Glover.
ACCESS York 24 hr Hotline: 717-846-5400 or 1-800-262-8444
Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County 24 hr. Hotline: 717-299-1249
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
