A Decade of Change
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| John Byron, left, and Pat Byron, center, joined film actor Victor Rivers at the Decade of Change gala fundraiser in December 2003. | |
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| Margaret Davis, Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice, and Victor Rivers. |
In 1993, a tragedy
that shocked one local community led to far-reaching changes for crime victims
throughout the country. The Mary Byron Foundation honored these advancements
with gala fundraiser and a public awareness campaign.
“A Decade of
Change” recognizes efforts to fight domestic violence since Mary Byron was
murdered 10 years ago. To date, the campaign has raised more than $45,000 to
support the Foundation and its work.
In 1993, Mary Byron was trying to
get on with her life after being stalked, assaulted, and raped by her former
boyfriend. He was arrested and jailed for his crimes, but someone posted his
bail and he was released. There was no way for Mary to know.
On the night
of December 6, 1993, Mary was leaving her job as a hairdresser at a Louisville
shopping mall. Her ex-boyfriend approached her car and fired seven bullets into
her head and chest at point blank range, killing her. It was Mary’s 21st
birthday.
Louisville and Jefferson County responded to Mary’s murder
with the creation of VINE®
(Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the nation’s first automated
system of victim notification. A decade later, VINE is saving lives in more than
1,400 communities in 36 states.
Innovations like VINE, as well as
ground-breaking legislation and services, are providing crime victims and their
families with a greater sense of security and a better quality of life.
Film and television actor Victor Rivers, spokesperson for the National Network to End
Domestic Violence, served as keynote speaker at the fundraiser. Rivers also lent
his talents to a public service announcement available for nationwide
broadcast.
Margaret Davis, Principal Deputy Director of the Office on
Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice, attended the
Foundation’s gala fundraiser and commended the Foundation for its work on behalf
of domestic violence victims.
