Today we’d like to introduce you to Veda Cavitt.
Veda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Portia Southern Foundation was started in October of 2015, as a non-profit organization, geared to advocate for families that felt they had nowhere to go, nowhere to turn, and no one who would listen.
Portia Southern was a silent victim of Domestic Violence till her death. She was born April 29, 1985. She attended High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Upon completion, she graduated with honors and went on to pursue her career in the United States Navy. She achieved numerous medals and commendations during her military career. Portia was a Quarter Master 2nd Class on Assault Craft Unit 1 on Coronado Island, CA. She had a passion for everything and everyone she touched. So much so, you could say that she was a perfectionist. Her family, friends, and colleges loved and admired her drive and determination. She left her smile upon everyone she touched.
Portia was a very strong and strong-willed individual. She could handle and excel in any task or assignment given to her with no supervision. She took her strengths and used them in her professional and personal life. She could hold her on. Whatever problem or situation she faced in her marriage, she felt confident that she could handle it. This last trial to right any wrongs in her relationship was more than she or anyone could imagine. An early day off duty to take the kids to the dentist would be her last. She walked into her home to find her husband sitting there, waiting for his perfect moment. As documents would show, this was not the first encounter, but certainly the last. This time unlike others, Portia though she could defuse whatever was wrong (again) but could not save herself or her husband. This would be her last cry, leaving two innocent children without a mother or a father.
I, Veda Cavitt am the mother and the voice of Portia Southern., advocating for all those victims that have been silent. I will help find protection, shelter, and resources for those victims. I will scream to the Heavens until someone listens.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been easy. I’ve been searching for sponsorship to share my vision of advocating and helping survivors with basic necessities. To bring awareness to my city, that Domestic Violence is very prevalent and it needs to stop. I feel that the consequences and laws against Domestic Violence aren’t strong enough to make the perpetrators think about their actions before committing these violent crimes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Portia Southern Foundation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Portia Southern Foundation is an Advocate against Domestic Violence. I write and sign petitions for laws and legislation to protect families against Domestic Violence which are mostly initiated by the National Network to End Domestic Violence out of Washington, DC (NNEDV).
I cannot offer legal advice, but I do provide informational resources in both English and Spanish. These brochures and booklets can help guide families and victims to resources that can directly help and impact their lives, provided by the State of Texas.
I would like to become an emergency supply and demand contact to families in need. I find that most families don’t leave their abusive and dangerous situations out of fear for their lives, no resources, and no support. Statistics show that only 60% of victims don’t report their abuse to police, 40% don’t tell anyone at all, and 93% of women are victims of Domestic Violence in Texas. I would like to be able to offer an emergency care pack with would include things like i.e. 30 day prepaid phone or phone card, transportation vouchers, meal vouchers, toiletries and or hygiene products, specific to their immediate needs.
I find that most victims that do leave in a hurry with only the clothes on their backs, scared and afraid to even call the police.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of our city. It is truly inclusive of all.
What I like least is that there is not enough advocacy against Domestic Violence that will “Scare these perpetrators out of committing these violent crimes”. There are times when you turn of the media and there is nothing but deaths that are related to Domestic Violence. Most of which have been reported prior or just ignored by authorities until it’s too late.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ThePortiaSouthernFoundation
- Phone: 281-907-6016
- Email: ThePortiaSouthernfoundation@gmail.com
- Facebook: The Portia Southern Foundation
Image Credit:
Lisa Singleton
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