Now, Roy and Mary Helen are both trying to stop more people from having to go through the pain that they and their granddaughters have experienced. You never get over it. And some moments are worse, like when you hear on the news about another victim. It brings back the nightmare. By speaking out about domestic violence, participating in public walks and rallies, and promoting educational opportunities at churches, the Gomez' hope to help stem the tide of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is primarily abuse done by men on women.
The Texas Council on Family Violence, a non-profit entity, estimates that one out of every four women is repeatedly battered. Education and awareness are the keys to helping women get out of dangerous situations, Roy believes. That's why he works hard at providing a program, or other activities, nearly every month at Cristo Rey, his parish. He's thankful that his pastor, Convention Franciscan Father Larry Mattingly, preaches about domestic violence on a frequent basis and is very supportive of his efforts. He said he gets frustrated sometimes that more parishes don't try to raise awareness of how widespread, and deadly, domestic violence is.