RICHMOND -
Davette Hayes is using the attempt on her life to bring attention to domestic violence. She says the recent headline about a murder-suicide in our area is fueling her passion to grab the attention of lawmakers and police.
The tragic story of Kate Johnson is weighing heavily on Davette Hayes' heart. Johnson's family members tells us she was stalked and eventually murdered outside of a hotel in Henrico by a man she was once involved with, Hassan Al-Sari.
Her murder case reminds Hayes of how much work she wants to do to help other victims of domestic violence. She says "It makes my soul grieve for her and her family. I know that it could have been me."
Hayes was attacked on December 31, 2007 by her machete wielding ex-boyfriend. He ambushed her as she went to her job at a local hospital. She recalls the extensive pain and suffering she went through. "Clinically I was dead, twice. They had to revive me twice. I had to learn to walk again. I now have double vision and I had four transfusions."
Now Hayes pushes past her permanent physical limitations to hopefully one day prompt changes in the law. Johnson's family tells us their loved one had a restraining order against her shooter, and called police when he stalked her around her neighborhood and the community. Johnson's sisters say Kate was told police couldn't do anything because Al-Sari hadn't physically touched her.
Hayes say she'd like to see area police departments create specialized domestic violence units. She's convinced more can be done to give restraining orders more weight. She tells CBS 6 it's frustrating to know that some act of violence has to happen before a victim can receive help. She says she hopes her story inspires other victims to take the first step and reach out for help. She says she was raised to "keep whatever happens in the home behind closed doors", but adds that's not the way. She says victims should be reassured that they don't deserve abuse and love isn't supposed to hurt.
That's the message Hayes has been taking with her in recent months as she speaks in our community. She plans to one day take her story to lawmakers and longs to address them at the General Assembly so she can highlight the problem of domestic violence. In the meantime, Hayes will continue to share her story. In a few months she will address a group of Richmond police officers during a training event.
Hayes says she's eager to tell her story. Hoping in the end, it'll help save lives.
The tragic story of Kate Johnson is weighing heavily on Davette Hayes' heart. Johnson's family members tells us she was stalked and eventually murdered outside of a hotel in Henrico by a man she was once involved with, Hassan Al-Sari.
Her murder case reminds Hayes of how much work she wants to do to help other victims of domestic violence. She says "It makes my soul grieve for her and her family. I know that it could have been me."
Hayes was attacked on December 31, 2007 by her machete wielding ex-boyfriend. He ambushed her as she went to her job at a local hospital. She recalls the extensive pain and suffering she went through. "Clinically I was dead, twice. They had to revive me twice. I had to learn to walk again. I now have double vision and I had four transfusions."
Now Hayes pushes past her permanent physical limitations to hopefully one day prompt changes in the law. Johnson's family tells us their loved one had a restraining order against her shooter, and called police when he stalked her around her neighborhood and the community. Johnson's sisters say Kate was told police couldn't do anything because Al-Sari hadn't physically touched her.
Hayes say she'd like to see area police departments create specialized domestic violence units. She's convinced more can be done to give restraining orders more weight. She tells CBS 6 it's frustrating to know that some act of violence has to happen before a victim can receive help. She says she hopes her story inspires other victims to take the first step and reach out for help. She says she was raised to "keep whatever happens in the home behind closed doors", but adds that's not the way. She says victims should be reassured that they don't deserve abuse and love isn't supposed to hurt.
That's the message Hayes has been taking with her in recent months as she speaks in our community. She plans to one day take her story to lawmakers and longs to address them at the General Assembly so she can highlight the problem of domestic violence. In the meantime, Hayes will continue to share her story. In a few months she will address a group of Richmond police officers during a training event.
Hayes says she's eager to tell her story. Hoping in the end, it'll help save lives.
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