Sound the Silence in Domestic Violence

Cassadra BetheaThe following post was written by Cassandra Bethea Shine.  Cassandra Bethea Shine is happily married to her amazing husband, the love of her life, for 1.5 years and she is a mother of one, a 19 year old, smart and handsome son.  She she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University, which has allowed her to be experienced in ICU, research, and leadership management. Her passion to help and care for others has led to her to longevity with her employer. Recently, she was recognized for 25 years of service where she is employed by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in W-S, NC.  She loves to travel, entertain and spend quality time with her family. At her leisure, she has a passion for arts and crafts, with a little touch of an “entrepreneurial spirit” where she makes and sells her own hand-rolled made beads from scratch for jewelry. She gives honor to God and her parents for contributing to her strong morals, sense of value, and work ethics.

Hello my name is Cheryl “Neecie” Bethea, I was only 43 years young when I unexpectedly lost my life one night to Domestic Violence.

I was brutally stabbed to death multiple times, on August 25, 2014, outside of my home by a man I dated for nearly three years after taking a restraining order out on him that very same day. One thing I can tell you is that my life was unfinished. Here’s the kicker: I was preparing dinner that night and I had chicken baking in the oven to feed not only my children, but the man that killed me, as well. Did you hear me?! I WAS BAKING CHICKEN! He stole my life from my children/grandchild, my family, my friends, and from me before it was my time. Simply put…my death was so untimely. I didn’t get a chance to say GOODBYE to anyone. As my limp and lifeless wounded body laid on the dry asphalt, covered in my own blood, I died instantaneously alone, while my daughter and grandson were inside the house unaware of the turn of events.

Screen shot 2014-10-31 at 2.02.29 AMI was a mother of two very young adult children; a nineteen-year-old beautiful daughter, a twenty-one-year old handsome son, and I was also a “Glam” mother of a nine-month old grandson, I endearingly nicknamed, “Grump”.  Not only that, I was someone’s daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. I had an infectious and beautiful smile, a huge heart with an illuminating STRONG, BOLD, and TENACiOUS personality, and I did not meet a stranger.  I was a child of the one true King, a Christian, that loved the Lord. I was a devoted and proud member of Mount Calvary Holy Church, where I was active in the youth ministry and hospitality team for over ten years.

In 2011, I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology with Honors from Winston-Salem State University. I was an employee of Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia) for about 15 years. I was an avid runner with Black Girls Run! W-S, NC. Need I say more? The point is, I was initially happy and my life was so full and flourishing. I was a willing and active participant in my own life before I allowed Mr. Wrong into it.

My life began to unravel and take a turn for the worse after I met Mr. Wrong. It did not happen overnight; it was a slow progression with subtle cues to a fast aggression of violence. I failed to take heed to the warning signs and I allowed him to take control of me, straining me financially while literally draining the very Spirit of my Being. I endured verbal, mental, and physical abuse on a daily. When my family would inquire about my relationship, I was not transparent or forthcoming with what was really going on in my life. I hid behind the lies or kept silent because I was too embarrassed, afraid, in denial, and I had a sense of pridefulness. Ironically, all the silence was sounded so loud and publicly, but it wasn’t through my voice, it was through the news of my violent death.  I nor anyone that knew me and loved me, could have ever imagined my life coming to such a gruesome and tragic end so soon. I was not ready! Therefore my story must be told and heard.

Please don’t take my story lightly because it is very real and a serious matter and it can happen to anyone because it happen to me…just ask my family. My death has left my family heartbroken, devastated and picking up the pieces. Their lives may be forever changed, but I will not allow my death to be in vain. You will continue to hear my story because I don’t want what happened to me to happen to you. Domestic Violence was a silent killer for me, but YOU don’t have to let it be for YOU!

SPEAK UP!  SPEAK OUT!  GET OUT!
Sound the Silence in Domestic Violence


Help me join Cassandra in her fight to raise awareness about her beautiful sister Cheryl and the importance of speaking up and out about domestic violence. 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.

Screen shot 2014-10-31 at 1.36.51 AMSound the Silence in Domestic Violence is Facebook page (STSIDV) was created by Cassandra to share her sister, Cheryl Anise Bethea’s story after she was brutally stabbed to death so tragically by her boyfriend. As she speaks in 1st person from her sister’s pain, she hopes this will engage the audience to share their stories and/or encourage anyone going through their own battle with domestic voilence to get out. STSIDV mission is to bring awareness about DV and the dangers of being silent.  We desire to take the stigma off of DV to prevent abuse and save lives. Since the death of their beloved Cheryl, her family is still picking up the scattered pieces, in Faith, to rebuild stronger.

Because she was so well loved, a large support of the community has reached out to her family to contribute and support efforts in Domestic Violence walks, workshops, and clinics, in light of her death and name.  Her family is currently in the process of starting a Foundation for STSIDV in remembrance of Cheryl Anise Bethea.

Will you help us spread the word to fight the stigma of domestic violence everywhere?

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5 Comments

  • Ronnie Harris Tyler
    October 31, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    I am sorry about the loss of your sister in such a tragic way. Thank you for sharing your story Cassandra Bethea Shine and for shining the light on this issue.

  • Cassandra Bethea Shine
    November 1, 2014 at 1:05 PM

    Thank you Ronnie Harris Tyler for your condolences. I greatly appreciate that. Yes, DV is so real to me, now and we must share and remove the mask and stigma associated with DV.

  • Christine St.Vil
    November 3, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    I agree Cassandra and can't thank you enough for sharing such an important story.

  • Cassandra Bethea Shine
    November 3, 2014 at 3:45 PM

    Not a problem Christine, I thank you for reaching out and willingness to share her story.

  • M E Martin
    August 4, 2017 at 5:36 PM

    Cassandra hope that you and the family are doing well.

    I am needing to speak with regarding DVAM 2017, which will takeplace soon.

    Please contact me at (336) 773-7860 or memartin@wspd.org. GReat work that you’re doing!

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