Putting a Face on Domestic Violence
As part of their "Becoming a Clinician" training, second-year students will hear from miracle domestic violence survivor Carolyn Thomas next Tuesday, March 7.
A Waco resident, Thomas knows all too well the permanent scars domestic violence can leave behind. In a state of drug-induced rage, her ex-boyfriend Terrence Kelly shot and killed her mother, and then shot Thomas point-blank in the temple. Defying all odds, she survived, as the bullet missed her brain but destroyed her right eye, nose, cheeks, upper jaw and most teeth. Since that night in December 2003, Carolyn has fought to piece her life back together, undergoing months of reconstructive surgery and testifying at Kelly's murder trial in 2005.
For Thomas, it is important to speak out about domestic violence. She has been a guest of Oprah Winfrey and Larry King, and speaks to students and church groups about her experience.
"I know why I'm here: to help women in domestic violence situations. Maybe by looking at me, they'll be able to see and understand where I'm coming from. If I'd had someone like myself (to talk to), it might have made a difference."
Students will also meet with representatives from local organizations Scotty's House, Phoebe's Home and the Rape Crisis Center in a morning lecture.
Sponsored by the Department of Humanities in Medicine, the course on domestic violence serves to focus on not only the physical aspect of the victim, but the psychological, social and spiritual issues as well. The domestic violence presentation with Carolyn Thomas will take place Tuesday, March 7 from 12-1 p.m. in Lecture Hall 1 at the Reynolds Medical Building.
