They're gone, but not forgotten. Nineteen silhouettes of women line the all of the Roma Community Center.
Each of them has a name, face, and story.
“Every single silhouette represents a woman who was murdered in the County of Starr at the hands of her domestic partner, husband, boyfriend, step-father or father” said Assistant County Attorney Judith Solis.
Brenda Lee Monjares, Elva Bond De La Cruz, and Rebecca Garcia Salinas are just some of the women who lost the battle against domestic violence.
“I know there are still a lot out there that need to come forward,” said Advocate Elia Solis. “There are consequences sometimes, but it’s best.”
One instance, Elia remembers, happened in Rio Grande City just last month.
Only hours after leaving from Starr County’s advocacy center Lydia Pinal, Rosa Alaniz, and Mary Lou Sanders were gunned down police said by Lydia’s husband, Francisco Pinal.
“We had just gotten home and heard that she and the others were killed,” Elia said through tears.
It was that action that spurred Starr County Officials to start work on a new Women’s Shelter for the county.
Right now those who want help have to leave and go to Hidalgo or Webb County.
“We tell them pick up your stuff we’re taking you now,” said Solis. “You can’t tell anyone where you’re going—it’s this that struck us as very unfair that the victim is once again victimized.”
Solis said, by building this shelter, she hopes more people will come forward for help.
“That’s our goal—that they find us and we’re able to help them,” said Solis.
The shelter should be completed by the end of December.
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