When Jessica Martel died, help came too late.
The 26-year-old mother of three was beaten and strangled to death at her Morinville home by her husband in 2009.
Since then, Martel’s mother, Lynne Rosychuk, has rallied to aid victims of domestic violence through The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation.
On the foundation’s website, Rosychuk writes that Jessica tried to seek help but the Edmonton shelters were full and she could not escape to the homes of family members because her husband would find her there.
The family now raises money to build a shelter closer to Morinville and to help people in similar situations.
After reading a story on Martel in early 2012, Karin Denkova wanted to help.
The Morinville Zumba instructor is holding a fundraising event on Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club to raise money for the foundation.
“It’s important that the word about these things gets out and that people know that there is hope and a way out,” Denkova said.
“They are often not able to get away for financial reasons or because they are scared. And many return back to where they came from because they have nowhere to go.”
Denkova said Martel tried to flee the abusive relationship the day she died but her husband discovered her plans and killed her.
She said these relationships are not about love, but power, and that’s often a tough lesson to learn for the victim.
“When their partner feels that he is losing control, he will do anything to gain it back. And women need to know if there are things in place to help them,” she said.
“They need to act quickly and cut off all the connections, which is hard because you have child custody issues to resolve and legal procedures and financial problems.”
Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends music and fitness activities into a workout. Denkova said one of Zumba’s goals is to raise money for good causes, which gave her the idea for the fundraiser.
The fundraiser will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club at 205A Carnegie Dr. in St. Albert.
The entry fee is $10.
Denkova said raising $100 can help someone buy groceries, and $500 to $1,000 can help with the down payment for a new home.
She added that none of Sunday’s participants have to be fit, or good dancers, but rather willing to come out for a fun time. Zumba is an exercise in disguise, she said.
Following the one-hour workout, Denkova said she hopes to receive a guest speaker or she will speak on the issue of physical abuse in relationships.
Participants can register for the fundraiser at the front desk of the Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club. They can also e-mail Denkova at [email protected] or call her at 780-458-2610.
