Self care - What have you been doing?

The death of Lisa McMurtrey two weeks ago is sticking in brain, even though it has more or less faded from the 5 o'clock news and the Metro section. It's been hard to keep up hope, to stay positive, and to continue up the steep incline that PWCL is on in the anti-violence movement.

On Mother's Day, which I spent with my daughter completely unplugged from work, online discussions and my cell phone (well, except for talking to my mother, sisters and my best friend), I was reminded that there is one thing I can do to help replenish when my well of determination and inspiration seems desperately low: Self-Care.

Here's one thing I did. I picked early blooming flowers (lilacs and spanish lavender) out of my yard and added a big sprig of fennel for fun. You might not think it, but the three smells together are wonderful - like my own personal anti-stress balm.



What have you advocates done lately to fill up? PWCL wants to know! :)

A Reminder of the Importance of Services for DV Survivors

Today we received a very tragic reminder of the safety needs of domestic violence survivors and victims. You can find some coverage on the story here.

Lisa McMurtrey was shot and killed as she pulled up in front of the West Linn Police Department as she tried to flee her estranged husband, Newton McMurtrey. Her SUV was sideswiped as she pulled up to the police department and she was shot and killed in her car.

After Newton McMurtrey shot his wife he then turned the gun on himself. He died later at the hospital.

This story is incredibly sad, and unfortunately, way too common. PWCL contacted the media this morning to speak out about domestic violence and the resources we offer here at the crisis line. You can find some coverage shot here at the crisis line on KPTV FOX 12 News tonight, and also an interview with Rebecca Peatow Nickels, our Executive Director, on KOIN 6 News this evening.

If you have time today, please take a minute to remember Lisa McMurtrey. I know all of us here at PWCL have her and her family on our minds.

I also want to say thank you to all of those advocates working so hard in the DV/SA field. Today is a sad reminder of why our jobs are so important.