Victim's daughter speaking out against domestic violence

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Yvette Caldera is celebrating her mom's birthday by sharing fliers asking people to stand up against domestic violence and reach out to victims.

"By the time I got there it was already too late," Caldera said.

Caldera's mom died this summer, a victim of domestic violence. Fresno Police say Cindy Rice-Raygoza was killed by her ex-boyfriend Michael Reams on July 14, 2014. Fresno Officers arrived as it was happening and shot and killed Reams.

Raygoza's friends and family say Reams was abusive and he continued to harass Raygoza.

Now Caldera and Raygoza's friend, Heather Huffman, are reaching out hoping to help others escape the cycle of abuse.

"We don't need to protect our abuser anymore and we have a right to stand out and speak and say hey this will end we will stop the violence," Huffman said.

Huffman and Raygoza became friends at the Marjaree Mason Center. At the time they were both trying to break free from violence. The Center says friends and family can help support to help victims break the cycle.

"Get yourself educated about domestic violence, everybody asks you know why does she say, we should be asking why does the abuser keep abusing," says Marjaree Mason Center Executive Director Genelle Taylor Kumpe.

Abuse is everywhere in our community and it doesn't care about socioeconomic status or race Taylor Kumpe says. She adds that victims can't break free by staying silent.

"You cannot isolate yourself and keep it within your household, that is the most dangerous situation that you can be in," Taylor Kumpe says.

Taylor Kumpe says domestic violence victims face the most danger when they're trying to escape their abuser.

"When they feel like they're losing control that's when they will draw any straw to keep them around and to keep that power," Taylor Kumpe says.

Taylor Kumpe says victims must create a safety plan. The Marjaree Mason Center can help them create that plan.

Caldera is pleading with victims to reach out to available resources like the Marjaree Mason Center.

"Please, I know it's hard and I know it's difficult but there is resources out there you can get help, you can get away from this,"

Marjaree Mason Center has a 24 hour hotline that can be reached at (559) 233-HELP (4357).

Here's a list of other available resources in our area:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
• Rape Counseling Service & Hotline (559) 222-RAPE or (559) 497-2900
• Elder Abuse Hotline (800) 475-6068
• Carmen Meza Center in Kerman (559) 659-0232 Hotline: (559) 222-7273
• Coalinga Family Crisis Network (559) 934-1950
• Babies First - Mom & Kids Hotline Fresno County (800) 640-0333