INDIANAPOLIS — At Domestic Violence Network's 32nd Annual Commemoration, Monica Conley once again shared her harrowing story of survival.
Back in the Spring, Conley came forward and shared publicly something she'd been holding onto for around a year: she shot and killed her ex-husband.
She told WRTV, her ex should have been in jail for stalking but was released. He broke into her apartment and surprised her in her bedroom, acting very aggressive. She feared for her life. She shot and killed him. The shooting was ruled self-defense.
She shared her story, hoping to pressure law enforcement officials to do more to protect people who are being stalked, a form of domestic violence.
Conley has turned her pain into purpose. Speaking before the crowd at Tuesday's commemoration, she recounted her story.
"It turns out, it was a new beginning. I walked out of the City-County Building that night with a purpose not known to me just yet. A chance and opportunity to do my part to make sure every other person that I may encounter that is dealing with any form of abuse knows they are not alone," Conley said. "I was drained by what I went through, but I'm now empowered by what I overcame. Too many people have lost their lives to domestic violence. I hope my story saves many more."
Conley read off the names of people the Domestic Violence Network says died because of some form of domestic violence. The deaths happened in central Indiana between June 2021 and May 2022. Their names and some of their stories or obituaries are below.
Nikki Wilhoite
Rachel Cooke
Andrea Aguirre
Davidtra Henderson
Christie Holt
Iva Williams
Savannah Blevins
Jerica Mitchell
Summer Stamps
Vanel Stamps
Janet McIntire
Mark McIntire
Kayla Bowling
Andre Smith
Latia Scott
DaTara Johnson
Debra Medley
Domestic violence resources:
If you, a friend or a loved one need help leaving a partner, email champions@indypsf.org.
Silent No More Inc.: 317-728-6733.
Beacon of Hope Crisis Center: 317-731-6140, beaconofhopeindy.org.
The Julian Center: Crisis line, 317-920-9320; juliancenter.org.
Domestic Violence Network: dvnconnect.org.
Families First: 317-634-6341; familiesfirstindiana.org.
Indiana 211: Call 211 to be connected with resources near you; in211.communityos.org.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233; thehotline.org.
-
Advocates share resources after IMPD saves human trafficking victim
Organizations across Indianapolis are emphasizing the importance of staying alert after IMPD freed a human trafficking victim last week following a welfare check at a northside hotel
Robocalls and texts spark redistricting debate in Indiana
The calls claimed that “radical progressives like Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker and Kathy Hochul are threatening to redistrict their states with the goal of ending the Trump presidency.”
Residents seek change amid deplorable living conditions
The complex, located on Indianapolis’s northeast side and owned by IHA, was also the site of a mass shooting on Saturday that injured five people.
"I would love to see us say more": New DCS director aims to improve transparency
WRTV Investigates Kara Kenney sat down with new DCS director Adam Krupp to talk about what he’s accomplished in six months on the job, and what he’s planning to change within the agency.
