Yolanda’s Story
Yolanda was a valued YWCA employee. She had left her abusive partner the year before, had moved on with her life and was successfully and independently taking care of herself and her son. Her abuser did not give up, determined to have complete power over her. On July 13, 1995, just before her 21st birthday, Yolanda was brutally murdered by her abuser.
Yolanda’s family, including her two-year old son, the YWCA, and the whole Portland community were stunned and devastated. Domestic violence can happen to anyone: our children, our co-workers, our siblings, our parents, our friends, or ourselves.