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Reading High sophomore shares her story of domestic violence

Reading Eagle - 10/31/2020

Oct. 31--Janesa Torres and her siblings sometimes feel like they are in a nightmare.

Their mother, Melissa Gonzalez-Torres, was murdered by their father, Segundo Torres-Ortiz, earlier this year. Torres-Ortiz then took his own life.

"We wake up looking for her, hear her voice telling us to keep going, do well in life and never give up, but it is hard," the Reading High sophomore told the school board Wednesday night. "We want there to be good that comes out of this. We want to be heard. I want to be heard. Domestic violence is something that needs to be talked about, recognized and for those who are suffering to feel heard and not be alone."

Janesa thought her world was over when she lost her mother. What she found instead was a will to fight and bring awareness to domestic violence.

"I thought losing my mom would end me," she said. "But to be honest with you, it is what pushes me to do better for her.

"My mother's death made me realize I cannot stop fighting for this cause. I will continue to have my voice heard and support others through situations similar to mine."

Janesa's mother, Melissa Gonzalez-Torres, 37, was shot and killed by her estranged husband Segundo Torres-Ortiz, 41, on May 18 in the 1100 block of Robeson Street.

Torres-Ortiz then turned the gun on himself and shot himself in the head.

Investigators said there had been a history of domestic violence. Torres-Ortiz had been arrested numerous times for violating a protection-from-abuse order.

"She was an incredible person," Janesa said. "She was not only our mother, but treated other kids as her own. She took a couple of our friends in when they had no place else to go. This woman was a warrior. She always made sure we were cared for and taken care of and had everything we needed."

Janesa left the school board speechless after she shared her story.

It was hard to hear for some and hard for Janesa to tell at times, but she did it because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"Janesa, you're incredible," said board President Robin Costenbader-Jacobson, her voice cracking. "I'm a survivor of childhood domestic violence and you can tell I still can't talk very well about it. I really admire you. Thank you for having the guts to share your story and work through it."

Many board members thanked Janesa for sharing her story and praised her for her strength.

"Coming up here as a 10th-grader talking about anything would be difficult," said board member Mark Detterline. "But talking about something so close to you and so heart-wrenching, I can't thank you enough to think we are worthy enough to hear something like that."

On Oct. 9 at 11th and Pike Streets about 50 people came out to spread awareness about domestic violence.

"This meant the world to me to see how many people could come together to create change and provide a voice for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, and for those who may still be in a violent domestic relationship," Janesa said. "People that showed up to show support, I want you to know that meant the world to me. I want others that are in situations like this to speak up and get help."

Torres' family also started a petition on Change.org to try and enact a new law that calls for harsher penalties and stricter release guidelines for repeat domestic violence offenders. The law would be called Melissa's Law.

The petition can be found here.

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