Domestic violence victim speaks out

An Oconee domestic violence victim is speaking about her ordeal and her hopes that better attention paid to victims can lead eventually to making a dent in a problem which appears pervasive in the types of crimes in society today.  Crystal Campbell’s husband, Demetrius, received a three-year prison sentence last week after his plea of guilty to domestic violence first degree and pointing and presenting a firearm.  Mrs. Campbell sought a longer prison sentence. Interviewed by 101.7/WGOG NEWS, Mrs. Campbell said she has learned that silence on part of a victim is not good and she recommends victims of crimes in the home reach out right away for help.  The incident in March last year has left her a single mother of five children.  The businesswoman is optimistic, however, she and her family can rebuild their lives.  A family member told 101.7/WGOG NEWS that they’ve learned a lot in a year’s time about how law enforcement and the court system respond to domestic violence.  Mrs. Campbell has hopes for the future such as better communications between a dispatcher and someone calling in a domestic violence incident.  She also said that not until her husband’s court date of last Friday did she learn that, instead of a 20-year prison term, the prosecutor requested the judge’s approval of a negotiated sentence of three years.  Crystal Campbell comments are being aired on 101.7/WGOG NEWS.