Mandate the legal name change of domestic violence murder victims

On October 14, 2024, Dainara Nicole Burford was tragically murdered by her husband. He shot her and then discarded her body in the trash while their five children were at home. I refer to her by her maiden name, Burford, as do all who love her—none of us will use her killer's last name. His last name was not mentioned at her celebration of life. I believe the law should change so that all legal court documents and media coverage cannot use the name of the perpetrator.

In Dainara's honor, I have started a petition on Change.org to advocate for this change. Below is the petition description. http://www.change.org/dainaraslaw

Dainara's Law

I submit this petition in memory of one of my closest friends and in support of others who have suffered the horrors of domestic abuse. Tragically, my friend, like so many others, did not escape her abusive situation alive. The most heartbreaking part is that she, along with many victims like her, continues to carry the last name of her abuser even after death.

Our legal system often connects victims of domestic violence to their abusers, particularly in cases where victims have tragically lost their lives at the hands of those they loved. Many victims marry their abusers, which can sometimes lead to fatal outcomes. It is heartbreaking that these victims are often remembered by their killers' last names. The disturbing statistics on domestic violence illuminate a grim reality. Each moment, approximately 20 people are victims of physical abuse by an intimate partner in the United States. This equals to more than 10 million men and women annually. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the U.S. have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner, statistically. (Sources: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

This connection by name, eternally linking victims to their killers, is entirely unjust. It's time to enact a law empowering domestic violence murder victims' families to revert the victim's name to their maiden name posthumously. This way, they are remembered as the independent people they were before their lives became entwined with the abusers.

By changing this law, we not only honor those who lost their lives but pave the way for a future where victims are remembered with dignity, respect, and autonomy. Let's advocate for this legal provision. Please sign this petition to demand justice for domestic violence victims and their families.

Remember the victims, quit saying the killer's name

The killers are frequently discussed in the media to the extent that some of them have cult-like fan bases. The names of the victims are typically forgotten. Consider the number of films, Netflix documentaries, podcasts, etc. that discuss high-profile killings. We run the risk of motivating the next. We must cease making murderers well-known. The laws need to change to prohibit the use of murderers' names in the media to prevent them from becoming sources of inspiration. Stores should not be allowed to sell merchandise related to well-known killers. Events like Crime-Con are blurring the line between education and unhealthy fandom. While attendees can learn about crimes, there are also meet-and-greets with the parents of murder victims, which raises ethical concerns. We must move away from viewing true crime as mere entertainment and prioritize proactive measures to prevent further tragedies from occurring. It's time to shift our focus from sensationalism to meaningful action.

Raise awareness now

I have started an awareness campaign called Angel of Rainbow. My goal is to spread knowledge and helpful information to domestic violence victims and survivors. Follow @dvawarenessnow on Instagram, where I have posted hotlines, various statistics, inspiring quotes, and information on Dainara's Law. Always remember that silence equals violence; speak up, it may save your life. Please get help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse. National Domestic Violence Hotline is a great resource for help. https://www.thehotline.org/ 1–800–799–7233. Don’t hesitate to reach for help. There are multiple agencies out there that are more than willing to help. Most of all, trust your gut. Safety comes first. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s not. Give yourself time to recover and reflect on the past.