Letter to the Editor: 'Disrespectful' to Call Target Murder a Lovers' Spat

Though the details surrounding are unclear, the fact is that two people are dead. Based on what has been reported so far, we are to believe that a person killed his partner because she no longer wanted to be involved with him. It seems unfair and disrespectful to call the death of two people a lovers spat. To call something so serious a lovers spat almost seems to suggest that it is justifiable to kill someone you love because you have a disagreement. Tragedies like this one are a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go to achieve a community with violence-free relationships.

In 2011, Pasco County law enforcement responded to over 9,000 domestic and sexual violence-related calls. We must recognize that any violent relationship has the potential to end in murder. For too long, relationship violence has been regarded as “private business” or “lovers spats.” Relationship violence is not just a private matter, it is a crime and it is everyone’s business to help end it.

In order to prevent needless deaths such as Elizabeth Behrens and Armando Troconis, we must all make relationship violence our business. We all need to make a commitment to reach out to our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors --- anyone that we suspect is in an abusive situation. The good news is there is help available. You don’t have to be an expert in relationship violence to intervene. If you would like to speak to someone about relationship violence and how to stop it, Sunrise of Pasco is available to help you or someone you know live a violence free life. Our hotline is (352)521-3120.

Michelle Crowder-Soellner, MSW

Social Change Community Organizer

Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc.

P.O. Box 928

Dade City, FL 33526

Phone: (352) 521-3358

Fax: (352) 521-3099