MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Lisa King was in an abusive relationship for nine years, and after being divorced for three years, she went back. Sept. 1, 2001, Lisa was found dead after a domestic violence dispute erupted six weeks after returning to her attacker.
It was then that her mother Linda King, the founder and president of Fix the Hurt and producer of Domestic Violence: The Musical?, knew it was her time to step up to speak out against domestic violence and teach about the warning signs and what victims, their families and the community can do to help protect those being abused.
Domestic Violence: The Musical?, a performance that left everyone with an understanding that domestic violence can happen to anyone and how it can be effectively handled by loved ones and the community at large, was held at the Sakura theater here Oct. 29.
The interactive performance focused on and aimed to discredit the myths of domestic violence.
From blues to doo wop, each song was a different style that provided a specific message about the realities of the touchy subject that left the audience laughing, cheering and crying. “All of these songs came from real experiences that have either happened to me or someone I know,” said King.
In earlier years, King started her fight against domestic violence by speaking to thousands of high schools about dating and domestic violence and providing training to service members.
“We thought there had to be a better way,” said King. “We wanted to stretch ourselves and present something that was effective.”
Lance Cpl. Sandra Lucero, a basic electrician for Combat Logistics Company 36 who attended the final showing of the musical, said she thought the performance was great.
“I knew about domestic violence,” said Lucero, “but this gave me a chance to see how it really affects people. I really think (the musical) is going to get to a lot of people here.”
After the hour-long performance, the audience left the theater with a new perspective on domestic violence and what they can do to help.
King offers these tips: If you are a …
Parent: Listen. Listen. Listen. Don’t try to force the victim to leave the abuser. Never demand a choice between yourself and the abuser. Educate yourself.
Sibling or relative: Listen. Listen. Listen. It may be an extremely difficult balance, but it is important to keep it confidential unless you fear for the victim’s immediate safety. This is especially difficult for a father or brother as they may want to resort to physical action. Educate yourself about the behaviors and watch for signs.
Friend: Listen. Listen. Listen. You may be the most critical contact the abused makes. Listen. Listen. Listen. Don’t criticize the victim’s choices, as he or she will stop talking to you. Be patient; educate yourself so that when he or she is ready, you have valuable information.
Victim: Find someone you can trust and then tell him or her what’s going on. Yes, this is hard to do, but with help you can come up with a plan to get to a safe place. You can do this. There are people out there who want to and will help. Don’t give up!
Teen: Ladies, first and foremost, you have power over your own body. Getting you drunk, giving you drugs to get you in the mood or because “it will make it better” is not love. That’s manipulation.
Real love does not emotionally harm, degrade, injure you or isolate you from other friends and family. If your significant other starts telling you that spending time with your other friends or your family makes him or her think you don’t love him or her, this should be a warning to you.