Fresno State annual event to spotlight domestic violence coincides with 2 recent deadly cases

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hours after a man shot his pregnant wife in Southeast Fresno-- across town on Fresno state's campus, advocates are trying to prevent the next tragic storyline.

"It just sickens me, it really does-- it's gut-wrenching," said Jenine Cortopassi, volunteer, Marjaree Mason Center.

The university holds an event spotlighting domestic violence and sexual assault every year. This time, it coincided with two extremely violent shooting cases.

On Wednesday, police said Manuel Servin shot his wife with his three children in the house. Last Thursday, Tulare County deputies said a father killed his baby daughter and shot the mother.

"It's really important to come together after a tragedy. Not only to be supportive and stand in solidarity but to talk about how we end this," said Jessica Adams, Gender Programs and Services Coordinator.

According to the Marjaree Mason Center, over 7,000 domestic violence cases were reported locally last year. And victims typically only call 911 after the eighth incident.

"Unfortunately, it never changes, we still keep having the same problems," said Adams.

For many of the advocates, the fight for prevention is deeply personal. Some have experienced abuse themselves. Cortopassi is here because she's seen it affect a loved one.

"It affects families greatly, and the children, even adult children have scars from it."

Those who organized the event Wednesday night said they hope people learn about the warning signs. And also know there is hope to ending a problem that appears to be so deeply rooted in society.

"It's just wrong, we need to solve things different ways," said Cortopassi.

Advocates said drug use often goes hand in hand with domestic violence. In both of the recent cases, witnesses and officers said the suspects could have been high on meth.