La Casa aims to help people in domestic violence situations
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- “I don’t have anywhere to go.”
These were words spoken by Kim Yacone to DASO deputies on March 25th, just months before she was allegedly killed by her husband Bob Yacone.
Lapel recordings and court documents detail the turbulent and toxic relationship between the Las Cruces restaurant owners in the weeks and months leading up to the September 18 tragedy, which leaves many asking the question of "why?" People are wondering what could have been done to prevent her death.
While deputies were heard asking Yacone if she knew about domestic violence resources they offered on the recordings, it's unclear what her specific options were at the time.
Flor Gonzalez, director of support services at La Casa, wants people who are in a similar situation that Kim was in to know that they have a safe place they can go to.
“We have a legal advocate that specializes in supporting victims of domestic violence and providing them protection, so our legal advocate will provide guidance and support, they will go with our clients to the hearings, and that’s an important part of what we do," says Gonzalez. This is just one of the resources that La Casa has to offer to victims of domestic violence.
La Casa also has a residential program available to domestic abuse victims and their children, as well as access to safe shelter, meals, clothing, hygiene, and case management, groups.
Gonzalez says that they are currently at capacity, but they still do everything they can to accommodate victims of domestic violence who are in need.
“I really want our community to know that La Casa is here to provide support to all victims of domestic violence," said Gonzalez.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 37% of women in New Mexico experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, and La Casa's website adds that 71% of all domestic violence victims in cases recorded by law enforcement in the state are female.
La Casa can be reached at (575) 526-9513, and they offer walk-ins as well. They say their help is available 24/7.
