More Stories
A grieving Suffolk mother is sharing her daughter’s heartbreaking story in hopes of preventing another tragedy. Bevin Llanes lost her 27-year-old daughter to domestic violence in 2021, a devastating moment that changed her life forever.
“I can't let her death be for nothing,” Llanes said, her voice filled with emotion.
The young woman had been in a volatile relationship. Bevin recalls speaking to her daughter earlier that day. “He needed to leave, she wanted him out,” she said. Just an hour later, Llanes received the call no mother ever wants, her daughter had been stabbed to death.
Llanes is now turning her pain into purpose. As Suffolk County signs a new executive order aimed at combatting domestic violence, she is speaking out to raise awareness and push for change. The new initiative will focus on real-time data sharing, increased coordination among agencies, and expanded services for victims.
“Not one single agency or organization knows everything, or has all the answers,” Llanes said. “So to share their knowledge I think is important.”
Officials agree that collaboration is critical.
“We are going to coordinate all of our resources, examine all data and take a very careful look at what can be done to change the outcomes,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said.
According to county data, there were 27,000 domestic violence-related 911 calls made in Suffolk County last year. While overall incidents have decreased slightly since the pandemic, officials emphasize the urgency to act.
The new alliance is focused on prevention, early intervention and ultimately saving lives through collaboration.
Bevin Llanes believes this kind of united front could have saved her daughter.
“If her story can save one person's life, then that's a good thing,” she said.
Her message is clear, domestic violence is a crisis that demands attention, action, and compassion. Through her voice, and her daughter’s memory, hope may grow for those still fighting for their safety.
