It has been an emotional year for Mary Grace Hamilton-Lucas and her family. They are dealing with the grief of losing a young loved one to domestic violence.
“She was so great,” said Hamilton-Lucas’s daughter, Tomika Lucas, about their loving relative. “She was college-educated. She was so giving, loving, and young. She had her whole life ahead of her.”
Domestic violence is a crime and cycle Hamilton-Lucas admittedly knows first-hand.
“You don’t understand how someone that is supposed to love you would abuse you like that and take your life,” Hamilton-Lucas said.
Breaking that cycle and ensuring other survivors have access to resources is why the women and their family said they remain mission focused.
“Domestic violence, physical attacks is not acceptable,” Hamilton-Lucas said.
The family is working to raise awareness. They are making sure other victims of domestic violence and survivors have access to resources to help escape dangerous situations and possibly save themselves.
“I just want the younger generation to know it’s help out here,” Lucas said. “You are not alone in this.”
The family partnered with an organization called Transition 1.2.3. They are hosting a fundraiser on March 16 to help the Christian-based nonprofit that’s been providing emergency transitional housing to domestic violence and sexual assault victims for more than 20 years.
“When I was a survivor, I didn’t have a place to go, so I said, ‘How can I make a difference for a woman that wanted to flee a situation,’” said Chacrice Miles.
Miles is the founder and executive director of Transition 1.2.3. She said the demand for emergency housing in Detroit is high.
“It’s almost to the point that you don’t want to answer the calls because you hate to deny someone,” Miles said. “We receive about 2,000 views and calls a month for someone seeking housing.”
The family wants the fundraiser to be a safe space, bringing together other victims, survivors, advocates, and supporters who can help make a difference.
The organizers said they are committed to sending a strong message to the community.
“You don’t have to be afraid to love yourself and help yourself out of a dangerous situation,” Hamilton-Lucas said. “It’s ok.”
The “You Are Never Alone” Domestic Violence Fundraiser and Gala will be held Saturday, March 16, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Sacred Heart Activities Building, 3451 Rivard St, Detroit, Michigan 48207. Tickets for the event are $40. For more information, contact 248-521-0557.