Ruidoso resident Raul Luevano was a featured speaker at the annual press conference of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the rotunda of the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. He shared his story of growing up with an abuser and discussed the long-term effects of being a child victim and witness to domestic violence perpetrated by his father.
Luevano was invited to Santa Fe by HEAL executive director Coleen Widell.
Luevano said he has received an outpouring of support and encouragement from the community. “I have had so many people come up to me and share their own stories after hearing mine that I now understand why we cannot allow silence. Silence allows the abuse to continue.”
Since recounting the story of his own tumultuous childhood at the hands of an angry and abusive father in the Ruidoso newspapers, Luevano now finds fulfillment in his role of spokesperson.
“Unfortunately my story isn’t unique; the same scene is being played out in households across the nation, in our village and down the street. When I was a child, no one knew what was going on, but people need to know what goes on. These children need to know that people love them and people care about what they are going through,” Luevano says with a heavy heart.
The audience at the domestic violence press conference included Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez, Senators Rod Adair and Mary Kay Papen, legislators, board members and staff from the Nest and other domestic violence shelters around New Mexico.
“I was very impressed because I think it’s very important for men to get involved and speak out about domestic violence,” says Doug Southern, executive director of Roswell Refuge. “DV has a lasting impact on children. It doesn’t go away when they turn 18. They will continue to carry the scars with them and it will affect how they handle their own relationships.”
Beginning in 2011, the Nest implemented a specialized children’s program to assist the children in rebuilding their lives. “We have to respond to the children when we have them in our grasp and make sure they receive the counseling and education they need to escape the vicious cycle of domestic abuse,” says Nest Advocate Miriam Moreno.
The Nest is located at 26374 US Highway 70 in Ruidoso Downs. Services at the Nest are always free and completely confidential. If you have questions, advocates are available 24/7, please call our hotline at 1-866-378-6378.
Pictured is Raul Luevano speaking at the press conference of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Santa Fe.