Women's History Month

Dear Editor,

As we celebrate women's history month, we acknowledge Rebekah Grace Rose Barsotti, a woman who embodied courage for inspiring women everywhere to take a stand against domestic violence. We also acknowledge Selena Not Afraid, whose body was found three weeks after she went missing in 2020 and her case remains unsolved. We believe every woman matters.

Rebekah's Story

Thirty-three-year-old Rebekah, a vibrant young woman, dared to start a new life after a partner/family member assault charge against her spouse in March 2021, sealing her decision to leave the abuse behind. Within months of leaving, Rebekah disappeared in July 2021 after receiving death threats against herself and her dog, Cerberus. After an apparent drowning involving suspicious circumstances, Cerberus was found six days later. Rebekah's body was found 10 months later in a different location, mostly intact. The autopsy found Rebekah's manner of death undetermined, but the greatness of her life carries on.

Montana law (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-501(2)) disallowed Rebekah's abuser from managing her estate, yet that is what occurred. It should never happen again.

Selena Not Afraid's Story

Selena Not Afraid is one of many young indigenous women under the age of 18 that have gone missing. According to Montana Dept of Justice between 2017-2021 over 80 percent of the missing Indigenous Person cases were under the age of 18. These young women's cases are not thoroughly investigated due to breakdown in communications and efforts between tribal and county law enforcement.

Our Story

For all who believe in the dignity of human life, Rebekah and Selena's story is our story. One in three women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Of the domestic violence cases that result in fatalities, 75 percent of victims are killed when they attempt to leave the relationship or after the relationship has ended. If a victim passes away (whether at the hands of her abuser or not), an abuser should never have the final say over a victim, in life or in death.

From the courageous women of Big Horn County, Mont., and the countless Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, MMIP/MMIW to the voiceless survivors across Montana, we celebrate the lives of women, because all women, are worthy of honor, respect, and remembrance. As we celebrate women, we also acknowledge our responsibility to ensure every human life is treated with the dignity, honor and respect, from our first breath to our last.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, please visit: http://www.thehotline.org or contact your local YWCA/Domestic Violence Shelter. Make the call. Text Start to 88788. Reach Out. Find a local organization to become involved in helping victims of MMIW/MMIP and victims of Domestic Violence. Thank you for standing up for all women and supporting all survivors. Remember - Never go alone.

Sincerely,

Angela Mastrovito - Rebekah's Legacy (www.rebekahslegacy.com)

Cheryl Horn, MMIW - Cheryl Horn | Facebook - [email protected]

Allie Harrison - Victim's Advocate (www.youtakecourage.org)