LAWRENCE, Kan. - This piece was written by Lawrence NOW chapter convener, Ashley Barnes. Jana's life continues to inspire the young activists and advocates of the future. Thank you Jana. We miss you.
Two years ago today Jana Mackey, a Lawrence-area women's rights activist, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, a man known to have a history of domestic violence. She was a law student at KU, a lobbyist for the National Organization for Women, and a volunteer advocate for sexual assault victims. I never met Jana Mackey but her legacy resonates within the community - the impact that Jana left on the Lawrence community is readily apparent and her tragic story only accentuates the necessity of her efforts as a women's rights activist.
Kari Ann Rinker, Kansas NOW State Coordinator, came to my class and spoke of Jana's story and about the organization that her parents started in her honor - 1,100 Torches. 1,100 Torches is a simple organization, challenging people to get involved in their communities via volunteer service - essentially, it is a massive, community-wide, call to action.
My call to action was becoming involved in the Lawrence chapter of NOW which has just been reinstated. Jana was very involved in this organization and as I thumb through old files and paperwork, I have seen notes she made, and I wonder just how this tragedy could affect one with as much knowledge on the subject of domestic violence... How could this awful thing happen to someone my age and from my community? The answer is, sadly, simple - it happens far too often.
In 2009, 34 adults and 14 children were murdered in domestic violence related-homicides in the state of Kansas, and nearly one in four women in the United States reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or boyfriend at some point in her life. Society must make preventing this violence against women a priority.
Executive Director Sarah Terwel of the Willow Domestic Violence Center located here in Lawrence said "In memory of Jana, we ask that the community focus accountability for domestic violence where it belongs - with the abuser. Survivors need opportunities for assistance and support - instead they are often blamed for picking the wrong partner. Let us shift this responsibility to the appropriate party by holding the abuser accountable for the abuse. And in this way we are carrying on Jana's torch." The Willow Domestic Violence Center is an organization that is dedicated to eliminating family and domestic violence by providing safety, education, and advocacy in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties by providing safety planning, shelter, and resources for families in need.
An important bill, HB 2517, was recently passed in Topeka that will help Kansas take a stand against domestic violence. Jana's parents, Curt and Christie Brungardt, were strong supporters of this bill which tags a person's arrest face sheet and documents. The intent of this "tagging" is to get the abuser help on their first offense by court ordered evaluations as well as track all domestic violence related offense. The intent of the bill to create a system that will track all domestic violence related crimes. It also is the intent of the bill to get help for domestic violence offenders the first time a crime is committed.
I spoke to Christie Brungardt this week and she told me that after her daughter's passing she found a document with Jana's key values written on it. I would like to adopt these and challenge you to take them to heart as well: Work for quality of life for all people and have the courage to stand up for what you believe.
I invite you to become active in Lawrence NOW, our next meeting is July 17, 2:30pm at Mirth Café on 8th street. Please come support women and get involved in you community!
Thank you,
Ashley Barnes
Lawrence NOW lawrencenow@ksnow.org
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