Domestic violence: protective orders don't mean safety

Two hotel rooms covered in blood.

It is a sad testament that people commit violence against their intimate partners far too often.

In one room, the life of Jazmin Gonzalez-Morgado ended after 22 short years, allegedly at the hands of her estranged boyfriend, Ramiro Vazquez Galicia.

In the other room, a somewhat happier ending. Cynthia Markham, 47, and Steven Martinoni, 50, were found alive by law enforcement officials a day after a large amount of blood was discovered in their room in Carson City.

There was a history of domestic violence for both couples.

The issue of domestic violence is confounding even to the experts. Gonzalez-Morgado took out a restraining order against her boyfriend and seemingly escaped the violent relationship. That is, until she was found dead in a room in a Stateline hotel where she worked.

It's another tragic reminder that restraining and protective orders are really only pieces of paper, and that they can't always protect you. We're not saying people should not seek out these orders when they fear for their safety, only to recognize that they are not always effective against a violent attacker.

If you or anyone you know needs to escape an abusive partner, call Advocates to End Domestic Violence at 883-7654. If you think you may need to flee for your life, there are steps you can take ahead of time to form a safety plan: keep your purse and keys at the ready; make copies of important documents and leave them with a friend or neighbor; don't get caught in a room with no door to the outside; avoid rooms where weapons are stored. For more information on forming a safety plan visit the Advocate's Web site at: www.aedv.org/safetyplan.htm.

If you're in Douglas County, call the Family Support Council at 782-8692. Those in Lyon County should call 577-5023 or 463-6620. Storey County residents should call advocates at 883-7654.

And always if there is immediate danger, call 911.