Cathy’s Story
Her story
On November 9, 2020, my younger sister, Cathiana Lisa, was murdered at age 35 by her abusive husband in a violent culmination of a long abusive and controlling relationship. Her abuser failed in his attempt to commit suicide and is currently facing murder charges. My sister is survived by her amazing and beautiful daughters, ages 13 and 7, who have demonstrated a level of strength and resilience that is awe inspiring.
Cathiana was an amazing person to be around. Her smile could brighten anyone’s day and her warm and caring personality would make anyone feel like the most important person in the world. She was an amazing mother, doing all she could to raise two little girls despite carrying the tremendous burdens imposed by her abusive husband. Cathiana impacted people’s lives in such a positive and empowering way. There is no question she is an angel now looking over all of the people she loved and cared for like she did when she was on this earth.
Sadly my sister was failed by some people and hid her abuse from others, in part due to the fact that she was isolated from people she cared about as part of the abuse. As deeply tragic and heartbreaking as her murder was, it is my life’s mission to give her life greater purpose and to build a legacy she deserved but was never given an opportunity to create – one deeply rooted in helping others who are similarly situated and in need of support.
Cathiana’s story of abuse, isolation and control is sadly not a unique one. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 2 female murder victims are killed by intimate partners. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of
homicide by 500%. The fight to end domestic violence is a never-ending one. It will take a village, a community, a nation to work together to bring about the necessary change to bring about awareness and prevent any more tragic stories like my sisters.
I miss my sister. I have accepted that my life will never be the same. With her love and guiding spirit we will help to create change and work to save lives.
RIP sis.
Cathiana Lisa B.-Celestin
January 12, 1985 – November 9, 2020
Resources
Signs of abuse
Control
Trying to make you feel ashamed of your inadequacies is just another path to power.
Accusing
The abuser wants to create a hierarchy in which they’re at the top and you’re at the bottom.
HELP SUPPORT THE CAUSE
Cathiana Lisa Memorial Fellowship
The Cathiana Lisa Memorial Fellowship created by CUNY School of Law is designed to support law school students driven by a passion to end domestic violence and to support the many victims connected. The fellowship is awarded to a law school student seeking to work within the domestic violence arena and is in need of financial support.
Reach out to us
We would love to hear from you. If you have a story of overcoming domestic violence that you want to share or if you would like to discuss working together to end domestic violence please complete the contact form below.