Vigil for woman shot in domestic violence reminder to get help

KAHULUI - With a sign-waving vigil planned Thursday afternoon in memory of Makawao resident Karolyn Alford, who was shot by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide last week, advocates against domestic violence stress that there are resources for people who are worried about a relative, friend or co-worker.

At times, people can have an effect simply by letting friends know they're ready to help, said Sheri Daniels, Maui administrator of Child & Family Service.

"It's hard because we live in a society where sometimes you don't want to intervene. A lot of times people don't want to think the worst of anybody," Daniels said. "When it's somebody close to you, sometimes that's the hardest.

"Sometimes, people just have to say, 'Are you OK?' and ask if they can help. Let the person know you're available."

Police said 58-year-old Karolyn Alford was shot twice by her husband, Barry Alford, 59, a former Maui police officer who then shot himself. Officers responding to a 911 call at 10:15 p.m. Oct. 19 discovered the couple's bodies in the home on Iini Way.

The vigil for Karolyn Alford will be held from 4 to 4:45 p.m. fronting Maui Mall near the planned Whole Foods store in Kahului.

Immediately afterward, a Domestic Violence Awareness Month vigil and presentation will be held at the mall's center stage. Peace Peeps, comprising children who are survivors of domestic violence, is hosting the vigil for the second year.

Stacey Moniz, executive director of Women Helping Women, said people might be shocked to learn that someone they know could be a victim of domestic violence. But one thing friends or co-workers can do is ask if the person knows how to get help, including by calling the agency's domestic violence hot line at 579-9581.

"Domestic violence is very isolating," Moniz said. "I would ask people, 'Are you aware there are places that can help you?' "

Child & Family Service also offers domestic violence referrals to people who call the agency at 877-9888. Parents and Children Together, another nonprofit agency providing domestic violence intervention services, can be reached at 244-2330.

Another resource is the state Department of Health access to mental health services hot line at (800) 753-6879.

People can call the police nonemergency line if they want officers to check on the welfare of someone they're worried about, Daniels said.

If people see domestic violence occurring in a public place, such as a store parking lot, they should call 911 and try to provide detailed information, such as a license plate number and description of a vehicle involved, Daniels said.

With the holiday season approaching, Daniels recommended that people check in with friends they may not have seen or talked to for a while to find out how they're doing. "Make the effort to reconnect with people," she said. "We forget we can pick up the phone and call."

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.