Rows of Christmas trees have brought the holiday spirit to Berlin, Wisconsin, but one tree is bringing something else: awareness.
"We're more aware of what's going on with domestic violence homicide," said Heather Severson.
It's not always easy for Heather Severson to feel the Christmas cheer on December 3rd. Seven years ago, on December 3, 2009, she lost her best childhood friend Tracy and Tracy's daughter Deja in an act of domestic violence. Tracy's boyfriend murdered her and their daughter before also killing his ex-girlfriend and other daughter.
After that horrific tragedy, Severson is now an advocate for domestic violence awareness through her organization Traja. The group's goal is to raise awareness, but also connect victims with services in their area.
"We do not have a hotline," she said. "People call my cell phone and e-mail me every single day."
There has been 73 domestic violence related deaths in Wisconsin this year, the highest number ever recorded in the state.
Wisconsin is on track right now of a homicide every 4.5 days, according to Severson.
However, the lives of these people are more than just a number. That's why Severson decorated her tree in Nathan Strong Park in Berlin with photos of every domestic violence homicide victim this year.
"It puts a face to the victim," she explained. "It's not just a name, it's not just a statistic, it's not just a number, they're actual people."
For more information on domestic violence resources, visit the Trajawebsite.
