Ileana Herrera, a 46-year-old domestic violence survivor, was a guest speaker today at Fresno
City College’s presentation, “Through my Eyes”. As she spoke of her experiences, she offered advice for
potential victims and words of support for fellow survivors.
In her lecture, Herrera covered the many forms of domestic violence and stressed that it can
happen to anyone, man or woman. According to Herrera, an estimated one in four women can become a
victim of domestic violence.
“This is happening in every little town. I don’t care how pretty you are, how ugly you are, how
big you are or how small you are, it can happen to anyone,” she said.
Herrera explained that the most common forms of domestic violence are emotional abuse,
physical abuse, sexual abuse, the destruction of property and even economic abuse. From name-calling,
punching, forced sexual encounters, destroying walls and withholding funds or paychecks, there are many
ways a person can be abused.
Working at the Marjaree Mason Center for domestic violence gives Herrera the opportunity to
share her story as well as help women such as her get out of violent households. Herrera provides services
including restraining orders and court accompaniment for victims of domestic abuse.
The Marjaree Mason Center works with victims of domestic violence to help them achieve an
abuse free life. Some of the services offered include shelters, individual and group therapy, anger
management and legal counsel. More information on the Marjaree Mason Center can be found at
www.MMCENTER.org.