‘End the Silence’ benefit aims to curb domestic violence

Date: 8/22/2011

WESTFIELD — Melanie Nunez of Springfield is planning a benefit concert on Aug. 28 at Stanley Park to assist those of domestic violence and abuse.

Melanie Nunez lost her own sister, Jasmine Nunez, to a domestic violence situation two months ago.

“My sister was my best friend. We were only two years apart and she was the best person to be around. She had a smile that had potential to light up the world! She was beautiful like no other and not to mention, intelligent,” Melanie Nunez said.

“She was only 22 years old and was enrolled at the surgical tech program. She knew many people and touched many lives. The loss has been extremely difficult on my family in New York and all her friends in Springfield. Jasmine had parents and siblings that adored her to pieces. The outpour of support from politicians, local communities and nationwide audiences who have been following her story is incredible!” Melanie Nunez added.

Jasmine Nunez was reported missing in New York on June 19. Melanie Nunez identified her by a picture of her tattoo that was posted in a news article online, where state police were asking the public for help in identifying the body of a young woman found badly burned in a park on June 12.

“I cannot put in words the feeling inside of me after reading such a tragic article then looking at a picture of my sister’s tattoo and realizing we were too late. Her boyfriend was on the run for a week before police caught up with him in Virginia and when they tried to pull him over he shot and killed himself,” Melanie Nunez recalled.

She is hosting “End the Silence” Domestic Violence Awareness Charity Concert at Stanley Park from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be dancers, poets and local musicians. T-shirts and wristbands will be on sale, and snacks and beverages will be available. All proceeds will go to the “End the Silence” campaign.

“I plan on starting my own non-profit organization that focuses on helping and educating young teen girls on the tragic and life changing issues that domestic violence causes. My sister’s story is not meant to be kept in the dark; it must be shared with the world and women in these situations need to be educated,” Melanie Nunez said.