The Jessie Davis search is over, and unfortunately, it ended badly. She and her almost-born baby were killed apparently by the father/boyfriend, who is also the father of her other child.
While making national headlines, it was obviously a huge story here, to the extent that it was dressed up as a news ratings grab that made me sick (sappy music and all). While the search efforts by the community were epic and wonderful, I absolutely hate how it was covered.
That said, the murder is a sad reminder that women will stay in abusive relationships even when the signs are obvious that they need to get out. This guy was a real douchebag according to most everyone that knew him. So what in the world made her stay, let alone have another child with him?
I've had so many female friends over the years that have been in or stayed in these kinds of relationships, and it strikes me as needless suffering. There are something about these men that can get into your head and make you believe that you're worse off without them. The thought that you could be without the guilt, the violence and emotional abuse just never enters their minds. What an awful way to live.
I guess the one good thing that will come out of the story is that it will bring some focus back to this issue, as it does every time a story like this comes out. And hopefully, this victim's death will give other women the courage to get out and live their lives.
There are no easy answers to your question. What seems quite clear from a distance and without the baggage of emotions, can be quite mirky when one is actually involved in the situation.
I would guess the strongest variable in keeping a woman in a situation like this one is fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of embarrassment for not being able to fix the situation for herself or for getting involved with someone like that to begin with. And most paralyzing of all, the fear of even worse violence or death if she tries to leave.
It is in that regard that this situation will do more harm than good in helping abused women. It ends up serving as an example of what could happen to them if they tried to get away.
This kind of thing really makes me sad.
It's the same thing Carrie was talking about earlier with empowering young women. If we lived in a society that affirmed women instead of making them into objects and tearing them down at every turn, maybe they wouldn't grow up feeling like all they deserve is these worthless assholes.