Alamogordo Amplifies Domestic Violence Awareness: Citizens, Media, and Grief-Fueled Advocacy Unite

As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the nation, Alamogordo is not only observing—it’s mobilizing. Through grassroots advocacy, media storytelling, and personal courage, residents are confronting the realities of abuse and demanding change. At the heart of this movement is a growing chorus of voices—survivors, families, and community leaders—who refuse to let silence win.

One of the most powerful voices belongs to Jena Hamryszak (Jena Matise), whose journey from personal tragedy via the death her son, and as a domestic violence survivor, to public advocacy has galvanized the region. After the death of her son, David Shjan, while in custody at the Otero County Detention Center, Jena transformed grief for her son, and as a domestic violence survivor, into action. Her campaign for dignity and accountability led to policy changes, including the installation of contraband scanners at detention entry points—technology that now hums with the weight of a mother’s love and determination.

Jena’s stories often, featured in 2nd Life Media’s and a recent profile “Local Voices Matter,” illustrates how personal pain can fuel systemic reform. Her op-eds, public testimony, and community conversations have not only honored her son’s memory but also empowered her as a survivor and taught others to speak out. She is now working on a book that promises to deepen her impact and offer a roadmap for transforming trauma into advocacy.

Organizations like COPE, Inc. continue to provide critical support, offering shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling to survivors across Otero and Lincoln Counties. Their October outreach includes bilingual education campaigns and community events aimed at prevention and healing.

Meanwhile, 2nd Life Media, 47thVoice.com and AlamogordoTownNews.com have amplified these efforts through cross-platform storytelling—radio interviews, and editorial coverage that center survivor voices and community resilience.

From Pastor J.L. Walker’s weekly “Introspections” on KALHRadio.org to commentary by Mica Maynard and others, the media landscape in Alamogordo has become a space for truth-telling and transformation.

The stakes are high. Domestic violence remains one of the most underreported crimes in America, and its impact reverberates across generations. In Alamogordo, the response is no longer passive. It’s active, intentional, and deeply personal.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues, Alamogordo’s message is clear: We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.

Sources:

2nd Life Media – Local Voices Matter: How Alamogordo Found Its Heartbeat

COPE, Inc. – Our Story

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