The gruesome accusations made against Peter Lizon, the Jackson County man who allegedly abused his wife for 10 years, has garnered national attention. But it hits especially close to home right here in Kanawha County too.
When you look at Krista Fink, the word "victim" barely comes to mind. But her story proves domestic violence can happen to anyone.
"I was in college. I was educated. I was getting a degree. I was outgoing. "
For five years Fink found herself trapped in an abusive marriage.
She said her husband beat her repeatedly...and she really believed it was her fault.
"I---I felt like prey. Like a small animal."
While the details surrounding Stephanie Lizon's abuse are extraordinarily gruesome, Fink relates to her suffering.
"People say, 'Oh just leave and it's over.' And it's not!"
Both Fink and women's advocates said graphic crimes like the ones Peter Lizon are accused of are more common in West Virginia than people think.
"Domestic violence is a heinous crime," said Deborah Weinstein, the executive director of the YWCA in Charleston. "I think this man should be punished to the full extent of the law."
Since leaving her husband 12 years ago, Fink has remarried. She has two kids. She's happy. But she never forgets the time when she wasn't.
"It could happen to any of us. It could be our daughters, our sisters, our friends. I have a two-year-old little girl. I want to make changes now, so I'm not worried about what kind of relationship she's going to get into in the future."
According to the YWCA in Charleston, one-third of all homicides in West Virginia stemmed from domestic violence incidents.
In fact, in just the last two months alone, 19 women in West Virginia have died from incidents relating to domestic abuse.
If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, the YWCA is one of several groups that can help. You can contact the Charleston branch at 304-340-3549. Visit their website at ywcacharleston.org for more information about support programs.
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